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A ( JAN P; 191?
DESCRIPTION
OF THE
QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary to
A Gofpel Minifter,
CONTAINING
Advice to Ministers and Elders, how to
condudl themfelves in their Converfation, and
various Services, according to their Gifts in
the Church of Christ.
By S A M U E L ^'b O W N A S.
As every Man hath received the Gift, even fo minifier the fame,
one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God.
If any Man fpeak. Jet him fpeak as the Oracles of God : if any
Man minilter, let him do it as of the Ability which God
giveth, ^c, I Pet. iv. lo, ii.
LONDON:
Printed at the Biile m George-Yard, Lombar'cU
Street y J 767.
[ "i ]
THE
PREFACE
T O T H E
READER.
THE Intention of the Author, in f bis
Treatifey bei7ig chief y to give In--
flrudlions to fuch who are called into
the Work of the Minijiry, and to the Elders
of the Churchy how to condu5i them/elves in
their Care over them whiljl Toung in the
Minifiry^ it is not thought Jit to be made fo
generally Publicky as fuch TraBs which are
intended for a general Benefit , which may in
jome degree concern all, and are of that uni-
verfal Nature^ that every Member of Society
ought to be acquainted withy in order for their
Government and PraBice ; but as it is not
the Will of the All-wife Difpcfer, who governs
his Houfe (which is his Church) in Wifdom,
nor the Order of his Provide?2ce, to give the
like Gifts to all^ but as the Apojile f peaks y He
gave fome, Apoftles ; and fome, Evange-Ephef.ii
lifts ; and fome, Paftors and Teachers \ •*•
whom he appointed to the Work of the
A 2 Miniftry,
[ iv ]
Miniftry, for the perfeding of the Saints
(or thofe in whom the Work of Sandfification
was bcgim) and the Edification of the Church, '
Now as it was with the Head, Chrifl Jefus^
Heb. V. 4. fo it is with his Minijlers^ for No Man
taketh this Honour unto himfelf, but he
that is called of God, as was Aaron^ as faith
the Apollle, A?id therefore Advice, adapted
to the States^ I'rials, and Temptations of fuch^
who are wider the Preparation of the divine
Hand, to fldun the Dangers and Midakes^
and fur mount the Dificulties which they may
be liable to, who may have made farther
Progrefs in it, may be of great Service to
them ', though to others, who are not called
to this Work, it may be in many refpe5ls as
a Book fealed. Which Advice, is as an
Hand of Help held forth, and is of Service
many Times to the Honefi, but Doubtful En^
quirer, who is like the Traveller in an unknown
Path, often befet with many Fears of lofing
his Way ; and as it is a kind Office^ and
what calls for RefpeB from all who /land in
need of it, fo it is a Duty we owe, and what
God is pleafed to enjoy n his Servants and
Minifiers to be fomid in the Pra^ice of, one
towards another ; and fuch was the Cafe of
our Worthy Ancient Friend the Author,
who thought it his Duty, having had great
Experience of that Work^ in a Ccurfe of tnany
Tears Exercife, much Labour and Travel^
both in his own Country, and in Foreign
Parts, to give Jome 4ccou7:;t of the Steps God
is
[ V ]
is pleafed to lead his Children in^ whom he is
preparing for this great Service^ and to point
out where the Enemy oj the Work of God, and
our Happinefs, is lying in wait to miflead^
beguile^ and betray fuch who are not watchful %
and althd he hath not ftudied Excelle?icy of
Speech, nor the enticing Words which Man's
Wifdom teachethy yet fuch who have had their
Eyes opened to difcern the Work of God^ as
alfo the mylierious Transformations of our
grand Adverfary, will have Occafion to fay^
that it is in the Demonftration of the Spirit,
having the true Marks and Evidence of that
Infpiration which giveth a right Under-
flanding in the nings of Gody and Myjleries
of his Kingdom ; for hereby it will appear y
how necejfary it is for Men and Women to
experience the San6tification of the Spirit to
precede, or go before, that they may be duly
qualified to help and advife others 5 this being
the Order our Lord and Mafter obferveth in
his Advice to Peter, When thou art convert- ^"^« «»^
ed, ftrengthen thy Brethren.
t 7 1
DESCRIPTION
O F T H E
QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary to
A Gofpel Minifter.
— ^— — — — — — — — — I — — M— — »— — — «^—— — — 1— — ire
CHAP. I.
^hat Sanftijfication is a previous Qualifica-
tion for the Reception of a Divine Infpira-
tion to Minister.
AS the Defign of the following Pages
is to fet in a true Light the Nature
and Neceffity oi^SilnJpiredMiniliry^
and the Advantages that we receive thereby,
I (hall, as introducSory thereunto, briefly
take Notice of a Salification fuitable to the
Receiving of that Infpiration, without which
it is not reafonable to fuppofe any one to
have it*
Firfl,
[ 8 ]
Pirfty There mull be a State of SanBifi--
cation (in degree) known, by the Spirit of
Judgment, and Burning, before any can be
proper Objedts to be Receivers of this infpir-
ing Gift, that can only aflift a Minifter,
and make him inftrumental of doing Good
to others : The Tree muft be good, e'er the
Fruit can be fo ; and right and true Mini-
fters are to be known by their Fruits :
This being granted, which I think can't be
denied, then it follows, that none, without
being thus qualified, can be called to the
Work of the Miniftry by a divine Infpira-
tion of the holy Spirit ; and therefore all vile
and ungodly Pcrlons, while they continue
in that natural and unregenerate State, are
excluded from any Part in this Gift ; and
altho' fome fuch may pretend, that either
with their Learning, or by their Money,
or both, they may have acquired, or made
a Purchafe of Orders for Liberty to Preach,
and may on this Foundation undertake to
expofe what they have to Sale ; but what
they fell is no other than what they have
bought, while in this unregenerate State,
empty and vain, and cannot profit the
Hearers -, for as faith the Pfalmift, Unto the
17. * * Wicked, God faith. What haji thou to do to
declare my Statutes, or that thou Jhouldefl take
my Covena?2t in thy Mouth, feeing thou hate/l
hijiruBion, and cafle/i my Words behind thee.
And let me fay, that whofoever undertakes
the Work of the Miniftry, not being firft
reformed themfelves^ cannot juftly expedl to
be
[ 9 ]
be inf[3ired by divine Wifdom, for the Re-
forming others by the Word of Truth ; for
{he dwells in holy Souls, and makes them
Friends of God and Prophets : Then it is
reafonable to conclude, that all who live in
Adultery^ Fornication, TJncleannefs, Lafciviouf- fj^^Vo/ai,
ne/s^ Idolatry, Witchcraft, Hatred, Variance,
Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Here-
fies, Envyi?2gs, Murders, Drunken?iefs, Reve/-
lings, and luch like Works of the Flefli, are
excluded from any Inheritance in the King-
dom of God, and confequently from having
any Part in that excellent infpiring Gift of
the Miniftry, fo neceflliry to our Affiftance
and Diredlion in our Way thither.
Secondly, I (hall therefore fay fomething
of the Qualification neceffary to receiving of
this excellent infpiring Gift of the Miniftry;
and in order to it, we ought firfl to examine
our own Hearts v/ith Care, praying in fecret
that God, by his Spirit, will vouchfafe to
dired us in a right Search after Truth ; and
hereby we (hall find a Law in our Hearts
that we have broken, and a Spirit in our
inward Parts that we have rebelled againfi:,
and in cur Ignorance, being hurried in the
Purfuit of the Pleafures of the Fled), and
Vanities of this Life, have overlook'd, tho*
we have been followed by if, and it has
firove with us : For the Spirit worketh in
us fecretly, and we know not at the firft
what it is 5 but finding ourfelves very uneafy,
and in great Trouble of Mind, being under
B Sorrow
[ lO ]
Sorrow and Meavinefs, not rightly and cooly
examining the Reafon, it is often miftaken
to proceed from a natural Cauie, and fo out-
ward Means are fought for to relieve from
this TJnciifiHifs ; fome by taking their Botde
with their Corppanions, others diverting
themfelves with their Sports and Gaming,
others again take Medicines to help them
againft what they call Melancholy ; fome
one Way, and fome another, thus miftake,
and make merry over the Witnefs in them,
and ftiifen their Necks againfl: the Reproof
of Inftrudion, which is the Way to Life ^
Prov. xxix. not minding the Text, which fays, He that
'• being often reproved, hardens his Neck, fl^all
Jiiddeiily be dejiroyedy and that without Remedy.
'Thirdly, But tho' fome are thus rebellious
and carelefs, others take a better Courfe,
by ftridly examining their Words and Ac-
tions, Company and Converfation, and find-
ing it to be their great Sorrow and Burden,
inftead of endeavouring to get from under
the Load of Trouble by Sporting, Gaming,
Drinking, Phyfick, or Company, fuch
Lam.iii. -.8. rather, as the Prophet faid, fit alone and
keep Silence, putting their Mouth in the Duft,
praying in fecret, that God will affift them
by his Grace and good Spirit, that the Caufe
of this Sorrow may be removed by an
humble and fincere Repentance of all their
Follies and Sins, wherewith they have of-
fended God, and that for Time to come,
they mav, by the Help of the Spirit, and
Direction
[ ^I ]
Diredion of that Law in their Hearts,
which they had hitherto overlooked and
negledled, now lead a new Life ; Firft^ by
denying all UngodlineCs, and abftaining from
every Appearance of Evil ; which muft be
done, e*er they can perfedly pracflice that
which is right in the Sight of God ; for no
Man can be righteous and v/icked at one
Time ; we mufl; fiirfl be brought out of the
Bondage of Corruption under fpiritual Pha-
raoh and Egypt^ into the Wiidernefs, e'er
we can offer acceptably unto God : This
State is figuratively called a Wiidernefs^ a
Way we have not trod in, fliewing thereby
the Necefiity of depending on our Guide,
our fpiritual Mcjcs^ that mull go before and
take Care of our Support : For in this Wii-
dernefs State we have no Food, no Water,
m%, no right Refreiliment, but what this
our Leader provides and adminifters to us :
In this State we can neither pray, nor do
any religious A61, without the Diredion of
our Leader : So that we find the Cafe is
much altered with us to what it was in Time
pafi. ; for then we could pray, fing, preach,
and perform other religious Duties in o\ix own
^ime^ feeding and fatisfyjng ourfelves there-
with 5 but now we are brought into the Vv il-
dernefs, where there is neither Ploughing,
nor Sowing ; we can't now help ourfelves by
our own Contrivance, and Workings in our
own Wills, but here we mull: live a Life of
Faith, v/hoUy depehding on him that will (if
we faint not in oui* Minds) bring us th:ough
B 2 to
[ 12 ]
to the Heavenly Canaan : Thus we fhall
come in the Lord*s Time to experience the
Sabilance of thofe T)'pes and Figures, under
that Legal Difpenfation, to be fabftantially
and fpiritually fulfilled in our own Minds,
by the Operation of the Spirit of our Lord
JcfuB Chrift^ the Subftance and Foundation
of ail l^j^iie Religion and Minijlry that is
really profitable to the Hearers.
Fourthly^ This Work of F^reparation by
the Spirit being thus begun, and carried
on, is a fliorter, or longer Time in accom-
pli{l:iing, fo as the Parties thereby may be
qualified to receive a divine Infpiration to
minifter from to others, according to the
Will of him that calleth ; and when it hap-
peneth to be but a fhort Time, between
Perfons beginning to be ferious and religious,
and the Time that they appear in the
Mi7iijlry\ (labouring according as they ap-
prehend themfelves to be called to that
Work for the Good of others) it may hap-
pen, that fome of their Hearers, forming
their Judgn:ient refpeding the Worthinefs,
or Un worthinefs of the Parties fo concerned,
from their pad Condudl, while in fo vile a
State, may conclude. How can fuch be fit
to teach others, who themfehes hut the other
Day were guilty of fuch Follies as are incon-
fflcnt with a true Mi?iij{er to touch with ?
Fifthly^ Thus in fome Refped it was
with that great Apoflle of the Gentiles, viz.
Saul,
[ 13 ]
Saul, afterwards Paul, For we find, while
he was in the very Heat of perfecuting the
Church, and breathing out Threatnings
againll the Brethren, fo that they were
afraid of him ; as appears when Ananias
was commanded of the Lord, during that
peculiar Vifitation, which at that Time he
was under, to go to his Affiftance ; Ana^
721 ass Anfwer was, / have heard by many
of this "Man, (Saul) how much Evil he hath
done to thy Saints at Jerufalem, and here he
hath Authority from the Chief Priefts to
bind all that call on thy Name, But the
Lord faid unto him^ Go thy way, for he
is a chofen VeJJel unto me. Then Ananias
went, having this fpecial Command to vifit
Saul. But it plainly appears, that this good
Man could not eafily believe Saul's fo fud-
den and {hort Change, from an open Op-
pofer and Perfecutor of the Faith, and
faithful Profeffors and Followers of the Son
of God, to be an open Profeffor and Preacher
of the fame Faith and Dodrine with them
he fo perfecuted : And as this was the Cafe
of Sauly it has been the Cafe, in fome de-
gree, of others of later Date , that is, their
fudden Change, from a vain Converfation,
to be Preachers againft it, hath fo narrowed
up their Way in the Minds of fome of their
Hearers, that at the fame Time (fome of
them that have wifli^d well to the Caufe
of Religion) fuppoling fuch Preachers would
be a Means of Stumbling to many, have
therefore in a Zeal that ' has been without
true
[ H ]
true Confideration and right Judgment, not
giving Time for Trial, whether what they
have heard was of God or the Creature, (as
not minding GamaUel\ Counfel) been for
pulling them down before they could fee
whether they were right or wrong.
To prevent this rajh judging, it is needful,
that the Hearers be careful to judge nothing
before its Time, but let every fuch Perfon
have the Opportunity to make full Proof of
their Miniflry, that it may appear, v/hether
what they do in the way of Miniftring, be
of God or of themfelves : If it be right, it
v/ill be felf-evident, and carry with it that
which in Time will give Satisfadlion to
thofe who have doubted of the Miniilry of
fuch Perfons, and their Hearts will be fiU'd
with Charity towards them.
Sixthly y Now if we confider the Thing
right, this raJJj judging is very dangerous
and hurtful, greatly tending to the dif-
couraging of young Minifters ; for this
cenforious and critical Temper is a great
Block in the Way, and may hinder fome
from coming forth in that Gift, tho' they
may be rightly concerned therein ; and fome
that may make a little Appearance that way,
may be put to Silence, e'er they have had
Time fufhcient to make, or to give full
Proof of their Miniftry : This Temper
therefore ought carefully to be watched
againft, and have a timely Curb and Difcou-
ragement
[ 15 3
ragement in every Mind, viz, every Hearer
ought in Fear to requeft of God to be dire<5t*
ed aright in Judgjnenty that under a pre-
tended Care to promote the Caufe of Re-
ligion, they may not in a blind Zeal be in-
ftrumental to difcourage fo ufeful a Gift.
Seventhly^ Now v/e find this critical
Temper, that was fo apt to judge without
Judgment, and to find Fault without Caufe,
our Lord did frequently reprove when it
appeared, as may be i^^n in the Inftance of
the Woman, whofe Penitence and Humi- Luke vH.
Ration induced her to wafii her Matter's ^^*
Feet with her Tears, and wipe them with
her Hair. Whofe Demonftration of Love to
our blelTed Lord, (when Simon was ready to
cenfure him for admitting) he by a very live-
ly Comparifon commended, and in the Ap-
plication thereof fmartly reproved the Want
of Judgment, as well as Charity of that
Pkarijee, who did fo little for him himfelf,
and yet was fo ready to find Fault with her ;
and by that Means rather brought him to
juftify what he had before condemned.
Which is often the Cafe oi Self-righteous Pro-
Jeffors, who are fo apt (without juft and ma-
ture Confideration) to judge thofe, v/ho from
vile and ungodly Sinners may fuddenly be-
come purified by the Work of the Spirit, and
by the fame may be fitted and required (tho*
fome may be apt to think it too foon) to
come up in publick Service for God -, whilft
themfelvcs, who have not loved fo much,
nor
[ i6 ]
nor been fo zealous to follow divine Con-
vidion, are lingering behind in the Work ;
and yet thefe are moft apt and ready to
judge and ccniare thofe who are more faith-
ful, and thus fuddenly brought into Obe-
dience, as too haliy and forward.
And alfo in his Anfwer to thofe who cen-
fured him for Eating and Drinking with Pub-
licans and Sinners, he plainly declared the
End of his Coming, which was theReafon of
hisCondud: in that, as well as other Refpefts.
Eighthly^ From all which it appears, that
it has happened fometimes, the more Vile
and Wicked any one hath been before Con-
vicflion, the more Thorough and Quick
hath their Converfion been : They to whom
much is forgiven, love much ; and the more
they love, the more hearty and zealous they
are to go on with the Work unto which
they are called ; and having known the Ter-
rors of the Almighty for Sin, are the more
earned to perfwade Men ; and I dare not
fay, but that fuch may in their Zeal and
Warmth of Spirit, a little flretch, at times
beyond their Authority -, but when they do,
they no fooner retire to their Gifts, but they
find fufficient Smart for it in their own Minds :
But this begets them Enemies ; and becaufe
they appear wrong in Part^ they muft by
feme be concluded wrong in the Whole -,
which is an unwarrantable Conclufion to
make on any Perfon.
Ninthly^
[ '7 ]
Ninthly^ Now if we rightly confider the
Matter, there may be a juft Caufe for this
Zeal, if we will but give them this Allov/-
ance, that as they have been like Brands
pluck'd out of the Burning, and known the
Terrors of the Almighty for Sin, they are
the more earned to perfwade Men to Re-
pentance and Amendment, both by Reproof,
warning of Sinners, and threatening them
with Judgment, as having themlelves fo
narrowly elcaped : And this being the Caufe
of that Fervour and Zeal fuch have appeared
in, it will no doubt on ftrid: Examination
be found, that the Root of all this is Love,
and a Defign of Good to the Souls of Men.
Such theretore ought to be treated with great
Charity and Meeknefs, and the good De-
fign in them encouraged ; and that Over-
forwardnefs in them rather fhewn to them
than reproved ; and when they fee it, they
will not need to be told of it, for Shame will
come faft enough upon them, (if they are
true Miniflers) and may lie heavy ; which
may hinder fome tender Spirits from
improving in their Gifts, and render them
lefs ferviceable than otherwife they might,
if they did moderately keep on their Way,
minding to keep pace with their Gifts, nei-
ther going before, nor flaying behind their
Leader ; but wanting both Judgment and
Experience, being Children in the Work,
they can't do it ail at once, and there-
fore in Patience muft be borne with for
a Time.
C Lalllw
[ i8 ]
Lnfll)\ This Preparation by the Spirit for
the Miniftry, fo qualifies the Receiver of
this excellent infpiring Gift, when called to
the Work, that he can experimentally fay.
What 1 have tajled, jelt, and heard of the
good Word of Life^ and the Powers of the
IVorld to come, I declare unto you. But
what can fuch (as the Apoille fpeaks of,
concerning whom he avers they fhall not
inherit God's Kingdom) fay of their Expe-
rience of the Work of God's Power in them,
while they continue in their Gain-faying in
the Works of the Flefli, fuch as Adultery,
Idolatry, Pride, Covetoufnefs, Envy, and
Drunkennefs, minding the Pleafures of this
World above any thing elfe ; furely (as
above) they have no Experience to fpeak of
to the People, nothing to fay that will bring
them to a Fellowfliip with the Father and
his Son Jefus Chrift.
Having faid thus much concerning a true
^laUfication for the Receiving of this Gift
ot Infpiration, fo abfolutely neceflary to
every right Minifter, that without it he
can't be one, I fliall now fpeak of Inspi-
ration itfelf, which is to be the Subjedl
next in courfe to be treated of, concluding
this Chapter with Part of that excellent Prayer
of David's (fo apt to this purpofe) in the
51ft Pjahn, from the 9th to the i4thVerfe.
Hide thy Face Jrom my Sins ; and blot out all
mtne Iniquities, Create in 7ne a clean Hearty
O God 3 and reneijo a right Spirit within
me»
1 19 ]
me. Cnjl me not away from thy Pre fence ;
and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Reft ore
unto me the yoy of thy Salvatiofi ; and uphold
me with thy free Spirit : Then will 1 teach
(bat not till then) Tranfgreffors thy IVaySy
and Sinners jhall be converted unto thee. A
ihort but full Defcription of the right Quali-
fication of a Gofpel Minifter.
CHAP. 11.
The Necefjity c/' Divine Infpiration to the being
of a Gofpel Minifter, and to conduSt hint
in his Miniftry,
HAVING faid fo much of the need-
ful ^i a lif cations^ in order to be in-
ipired by the holy Spirit, and enabled there-
by to minifter Good to others, it is neceffary
alfo to fay fomething of Inspiration itfelf,
which is by many too much exploded, and
flighted as a Thing at an End, and long
fince ceafed : They fuppofe all Things need-
ful for Inftrudtion to Piety and Virtue, al-
ready revealed in that excelfent Book, called
the Bible, which I prefer to all Books
extant, and requefl the diligent Reading
thereof with due Attention arid Regard,
to what the Apoftle fays of them, viz. Ihat j^, '"^" '' *
all Scripture given by Infpiration of God, is
profitable for Do5irine, for Reproof for Cor-
retlion, for In fir uB ion in Righteou/nefs ; and
able to make wife to Salvation through Faith
C 2 in
[ 20 ]
in Jefus Chri/l. Now it is this Faith in
Chrilt which makes the Scriptures really
and truly profitable ; but a Man, without
this Faith, may read the Scriptures until
he has them by rote, and can repeat a
great Part of what he has fo often read ;
and yet receive no Profit from them : for
as holy Men writ them by Infpiration of
the Spirit, fo by it we mufl come to a
right Underflanding of them, otherwife
they will be as a Book fealed, and the
bare Reading of the Letter will be no other
than a bare Report of Things at a diftance ;
for when we read the Words of Mojes, that
he fpoke in the Ears of IJrael, importing
that T^hou need' ft not fay in thy Hearty who
pall afcend into Heaven^ or go beyoiid the
^^ea, viz. to fetch the Word oj Command^
he would not have them look at a diftance
for it, becauie (adds he) It is nigh in thy
Heart and Mouth,
Now the Apoftle, expounding the Words
Rom. X. 6, of Mofes, faith. But the Right eoiijnefs which is
of Faith^ fpeaketh on this wife : Say not in
thine Hearty who Jlmll afcend into Heaven ?
T'hat is, to hring Chri/l down from above, Or^
who Jlmll defcend into the Deep ? That is, to
bring up Chrift again froin the Dead, But
what faith it ? The Word is nigh thee, even in
thy Mouth, and in thy Heart : that is the
Word of Faith which we preach. Now this
Word that is in the Heart and Mouth of in-
fpired Miniilers, is that by which they mufl:
be
[ 21 ]
be a£ted, if they do right in the Work of
the Miniftry ; and indeed, without this Word
in the Heart opens the Underftanding, there
can be no right Preaching. It is true, Men
may by Study and frequent Reading, acquire
to themfelves a Form of Words, and frame
a fet and fiudied Speech in a regular Way,
methodically dividing, and fub-dividing their
Matter, raifing Ufes and Applications from
the prefent Subjed: before them ; and all this
may be done by the Mmi^ the Creature^ and
natural Part^ having nothing of Infpiratioa
or Power of the Spirit in it. And pray,
what will this Miniftry do for the Hearers ?
It comes from the Head, and the Contrivance
of the Man*s Part, therefore it can reach
no further ; for no Stream can arife higher
than its Fountain : And that Miniftry
which is of Man, tho' it may be very pleaf-
ing to the Creature, and acceptable to the
itching Ears, who with the Greeks of old,
feek after Wifdom, but not that which is
from above, is not profitable to the Hearers ;
for the Jews fought after a Sign, and the
Greeks after Wifdom, but negledted the
Preaching of Chrift crucified, and rifen from
the Dead, as foolifli Dodrine, and not
worth their Regard ; but unto as many as
believed in the Word preached by the In-
fpiration of the Spirit, they found it to be
(both ^ews and Greeks) the mighty Power
of God to Salvation. Now that which made
this fpiritual Miniftry fo profitable to them
that received this Doctrine, is the very fame
that
[22 ]
that makes the Scriptures profitable to thofe
who rightly read them, namely^ Faith in
Chrift, who is the living Word and Light
of Men ; which Word is preached by every
true Minifter, infpired thereunto by the
Spirit of Truth.
Now, this Infpiration ought to be rightly
underflood and believed in : From my own
Experience I underftand it to be an Iti"
breathing of the divine Word into our MindSy
giving a true Underftanding of divine Things,
that we may make Choice of, and Walk
in the Paths of Wifdom, which is the
jufi Ma7is Path : I fay, the Inbreathing of
this Word, which is Truth, Life, and the
Light of Men j that Spirit which fearchetb
all ^hi?2gs, yea, the deep Things of Gody
which by Jefus Chrift is made manifeft
unto all Men, ought to be waited for in
all our religious Affemblies efpecially, and
believed in, as being the Foundation and
Spring of all right Miniftry, Devotion, and
Worftiip of the true God : Yea, I always
find this, from my own Experience, to be
moft edifying, thus to wait for this divine
Infpiration in all our religious Affemblies •,
and when I find my Underftanding infpired,
I Pet. iv. and influenced by this bleffed Gift to mini-
fter to others, I give up thereto, fpeaking
to the Aflembly according to the prefent
Ability received thereby ; and I know this
to be the true Beginning of a right Gofpel
Miniftry, which I ftiall fpeak to more at
large in its proper Place. ^
t 23 ]
Now, I underftand by the Inbreathing of
the Spirit of Chrift into our Minds, thus
much, namely, as the Apoftle afferts. We
know that the Son of God is come -, and for
Proof adds, for he has given us an Under^
ftandi?ig : This was to themlelves undeni-
able : But what means he by faying, He
has given us an Under ft anding ? He can mean
no other than a Spiritual one 5 for they
doubtlefs had Underftandings as natural Men
before ; but by that natural Underftanding
they could not perceive the Things of the
Spirit of God, nor comprehend the Light
which fhined in Darknefs ; which is ftill the
fame, even until now. But the true Know-
ledge of the Coming of the Son of God in
Spirit and Power, is by Infpiration from
Heaven, or the Revelation of the Father by
the Son j and this is the Foundation of the
true Church and Miniftry, againft which
no Oppofition can ever prevail. By this
Underftanding, they knew him that is true,
and were in him ; and fo muft all true
Believers experience the fame, if true Mem-
bers of Chrift's Church, and Minifters of his
Word. I fay, this fpiritual Underftanding,
which they received by Revelation, was an
undeniable Evidence to them, and fo it is to
us. But how ftiall I prove this to a De-
monftration, to fuch as are in a natural and
unenlightened State, that 1 have this Reve^
lation^ and am thus infpired ?
Anfw.
[24]
\Anfw. It is not poflible to do it, until
they who are in Unbelief, come to believe in
the fame Power, and receive Infpiration by
the fame Spirit, to give them a right Know-
, cof. iL ledge of the Things of God ; for the ?ia-
**' iiiral Man receheth them not, becaufe they
are Fooliflmefs unto htm-, neither can he in
this State know them. This makes it highly
necelTary for all that profefs Faith in Chrift,
to apply themfelves to God, for the Gift of
his holy Spirit : For, fays our bleffed Lord,
Which of you having a Son, if he afk Bread,
loill give him a Stone ? And thus applies it,
Luke xi. If ye then being evil know how to give good
*^* G//?i unto your Children, how much tnore jhall
your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to
the?n that afk him ? Afk and it Jhall be given
you. What greater Encouragement can be
given to us than this ? It is therefore greatly
to be defired, that all People, elpecially fuch
as profefs Faith in Chrift, would in Humility
and godly Sincerity afk of God a Portion
of this Spirit, whereby we may know the
Things of God -, for it is this Spirit, which
joim liv. is the Comforter , that our bleffed Lord pro-
'^* mifed to pray the Father to fend in his
Name, which when we receive, will lead
us into all Truth. This is that Spirit that
will reprove the World of Sin, becaufe they
believe not in the only begotten Son of God.
This is that Spirit which gives Life, and
will make thee a living Member of the true
Church ; and if thou art devoted in thy Mind
to follow it, thou wilt become fruitful in
Religion,
[ 25 ]
Religion, and thy Fa'uh will be both living
and powerful in thee, to give Vidory over
the World, that natural Part in thee that
would not lubmit to the Tellinnony ot Jefus,
nor believe in the only begotten Son of God.
I fay then, Infpiration or Revelation from
God by his Spirit, is of abfolute Neceffity to
guide a IVlinifler in his Miniftry; and a
Minifter fo conducted by a Golpel Power
and Light, infpiring his Mind v^ith the
How^ and the What he (hall fay, will
fpeak with the Spirit, and Underftanding
alfo ; that is, he will underftand by his own
Experience the Work of the Spirit, and
Word of Faith in his own Mind, and that
what he fays is true: And altho* he hath
this Experience, as above, yet it is not meet
for any one, in his own Time and Will, to
fpeak thereof in an Affembly ; but we are to
wait for both Authority and Power, that in
the Lord's Time we may fpeak (of what
our Eyes have fecn, our Hands handled, and
what we have felt of the good Word of Life,
and Powers of the World to come) to the
People, with the fame View as they, the
Primitives did, /. e. to bring their Hearers
into a right Fellowiliip with the Father,
and his Son our dear Lord and Saviour Jefus
Chriil ; and fo lliall they be one with all
that truly believe in him.
But fome may obje(fl, Jhat ive may be
deceived^ by fufpof^ng ourfehes in/pi red, when
D ive
[26]
nve are not ; and that ive have a Re'ue/ation,
"ichen it is nothing but an hnagination and
Delufion. In Juch a State a Man may be de-
ceived.^ himjl'lf, and all who think of him as
he does of himjelf will in like manner be de^
ceivcdy and how jhall this be avoided ?
j4n{w. It is granted, fome have been de-
ceived themfelves, and have alfo deceived
others, but the Caufe cf this Deception is in
thenilelves, for want of an hunible waiting
to know what they are about; for a true
Infpiration from God is as plainly to be
diRingui(li*d from the pretended faife one,
as Light is from Darknefs ; for divine Infpi-
ration quiets the Mind under all Oppoiition
and Contradiction, and gives Power over
the World, and the Luils of the Flefli, and
worketh the Redemption of fuch as are
endued therewith, and are fubjecl to it; thefe
are very humble and low of Heart, and the
more their Minds are enlightened by divine
Infpiration, the more they fee a Necefiity to
watch over themfelves, fo that the Inno-
cency, Meeknefs, and Humility fuiting a
true and right Minifter, will appear in all
their Condud ; fuch are flow to fpeak, and
ready to hear and receive Inftrudlion, and are
known by them that are fpiritual to be fuch.
But they who conceive themfelves to be
infpired when they are not, fuppoling they
have a Revelation when it is nothing but an
Imagination of their cvvn Brain, are exalted
in
[ 27 ]
in their Mind?, being very heady and ftub-
boin, flighting Inftnidtion j more apt to teach
than learn, being fwift to fpeak, bat flow to
hear, judging every Body that w\\\ not re-
ceive them as true Miniflers, by foretelling
the Ruin and Downfall of all their Oppofers ;
working themfelves up to a flrange degree of
Imagination, endeavouring to drive all be-
fore them; and fuch as will neither hear nor
heed what they fay, they will be apt to call
for Vengeance from Heaven upon fuch who
ofter to oppofe them. This, and much more
that might be mentioned, is the Condudt of
thefe deceived and deluded Souls.
Now this Error, by the Party thus de-
luded, might be eafily difcerned, if they
wou'd but give themfelves Time to think
and conflder aright in coolnefs, and defire
that the Lord wou'd fhew them the right
Way. Here is therefore great need ro
be cautious, and try the Spirit ; that is^not
to receive any Thing for Infpiration or
Revelation, without being well fatisfied
in thyfelf that it is fuch ; and this cautious
Fear will not be difpleaflng to God, but
thou wilt find thy Doubts removed, and
thou wilt be confirmed, that what thou
haft is of God, and will fland. This
agrees with the Pradice of Mo/es and
Gideon, and with what the Apoftle advifed.
Believe not every Spirit^ but try the Spirits^ i John Jv,
iJDhether they are of God : Becaufe many falfe '* ^' ^'
Prophets are gone out into the IVorld, They
D 2 are
[ 28 ]
are of the World: Therefore /peak they of
the World, and the World heareth them.
We are of God : He that knoweth God^
heareth us : He that is not of God heareth
not lis. Hereby knozo we the Spirit of Truths
and the Spirit of Error.
But fuppofing I or any others, may be in-
fpired, as is aforefaid, from a right Spirit :
Ho'w pjall Proof be made thereof to another ^
that he may receive our Word that we have by
Revelation, ?iot as our Word only^ but as given
Its of God ?
AnfW' In this thou wilt find no hardT:fk
with thy Brethren, if thou wilt but do thy
Endeavour to live according to that Doftrine
given thee to preach to others, in the firft
Place: And next mind, that thou, without
being infpired, undertake not this Woik of
Preaching, neither in thy own Time nor
Will, nor by thy own Contrivance, Col-
ledting what thou (halt fay ; for by fo doing
thou wilt be at a lofs and confounded in
thyfelf, and give great Occafion of Offence
to them that hear thee ; not only to them
that are unacquainted with the Gift, and
Unbelievers therein (for they will fee tliat
thou art wrong) but thy own Brethren will
be greatly loaded and uneafy with thy io
Appearing; for they will ioon find that thou
art out of thy Place in Speaking; it not
being from Infpiration, but an Imagination
of thy ov;n Brain 3 for "The Ear trietb Words
as
[ 29 ]
as the Mouth fafletk Meat ; and thofe who
are fpiritual will fee where thou art, better
than thou thyfelf.
But, It will be a hard Tafk to make
Proof of thy Miniftry, tho' thou fpeakeft
as the Oracle of God, and miniftreft of that
Ability which God giveth, to fuch as are in
Unbelief, and in a State of Nature. For the]^^^""* '**
natural Man (fays Paul) receiveth 7iot the
lhi7igs of the spirit of God\ for they are
Foolifmefs unto hirti^ neither can he know
them^ becaife they are fpiritually difcerjied.
I Tay, therefore it will be impofTible that
fuch Unbelievers, or thofe in a State of Na-
ture (whilft they are in that State and
Unbelief) fliou'd receive thy Word, not as
thy Word only, but as given to thee of God j
becaufe they believe no fuch Thing con-
cerning any Man : If therefore thou fcemeft
to them as a Babbler, be not thereat dif-
couraged ; Faul was fo accounted before thee.
Yet however, tho' fome may fo look upon
thee, othtrs may perhaps be reached by thy
Word ; and as thou doll minifter from a
right Spirit, and keepefl in thy Gift, thou
mayfl be inftrumental to bege^ Faith in them
that believe not, and greatly to edify and
confirm them who believe, fo that they'll
foon conclude thou art a right Minifter, not
of the Letter, but of the Spirit, and thy
Brethren who are fpiriuial will give thee En-
couragement to go on, having Fellbwfliip
with thee in thy Gift as a right Minifter,
approved
[ 30 ]
approved by them, as appointed of God for
that Work unto which thou art called : For
no Man ought to take this Honour unto
himfelf, by any human or external Call,
until he is called of God, as was Aaron.
I now (hall come to fpeak of the Gift
itfelf.
CHAP. III.
Advice to Ministers in a State
oj Infancy.
AS to the Gift of the Miniftry, the better
to fct it in a true Light, thefe three
Things are to be confidered.
I cor. xii. I ft. There are Diverfities of Gifts^ but
^' ^' ^' the fame Spirit.
«
2d. There are Differences of Adminiflra^
tions^ but the fame Lord.
3d. There are Diverfties of O per at tons y
but it is the fame God that worketh all in all.
Firft, There are Diverfities of Gifts^ but
the fame Spirit : i. e. Every Gift of God is
from the one and the fame Spirit of Truth
that is come by Jefus Chrift ^ for which
Reafon, tho' we may feem to differ in our
Gifts
[31]
Gifts one from another, yet the Defign and
End is the fame, and the fame Spirit; as in
one, fo in all, aflifting to that End, which
IS to turn People from Darkncfs to Light,
from the Power of Satan to God, that they
may be edified in the true Gofpel, receiving
a Remiffion of their Sins, and an Aflurance
of an Inheritance amongft them that are
fandified through Faith in the only begotten
Son of God.
Now there muft be fome Time to gain
Experience and Underftanding, before any
one can come to a Settlement, and true and
perfed: Knowledge of his own Gift ; and for
want of a right Settlement and true Know-
ledge of this Gift, and keeping to it, and in
it, is the Caufe of many of the Miftakes that
are committed in the Exercife of it.
Then we ought to confider the Mini/lry
in thefe three States, ift. Infancy. 2d. A
Toung Ma?is State. And laft, 7he Fathers
State.
Fir/l then, A State of Infancy ought to be
look'd upon with great Allowance of Cha-
rity, and if any Thing appears manly in fuch
a State, that ought not to be made the Stan-
dard of others to walk by, but we muft at-
tribute it rather to the Giver, than the Inftru-
ment, that giveth to every one as he will, to
fome a greater, and to others a fmaller Por-
tion of his Spirit, but to every one, both
Preachers
[ 32 ]
Preachers and Hearers, fuch a Manifeftation
thereof, as by faithful Obedience thereto
they may profit by it ; but the Gift of the
^iniftry is our prefent Subjedt.
Then as to the State of Infancy in the Mi-
niftry, let it be confidered, that the Mini-
ftry is a Birth -^ and when any one at fiift
comes under the Exercife hereof, he will
find a great Perturbation in himlelf ; the
Caufe of which he may be as great a Stranger
to, as Samuel was to the Voice of God in the
Temple, who being called the third Time,
was at length informed by Eli how to anfwer :
So have fome, both young Men, and Women,
done of later Date, (that is) applied them-
felves to fuch as they have apprehended had
more Experience of the Work of the Lord
than themfelves, and after all have found it
very hard to give up to the heavenly Vifiun ;
and when they have given up, it has been in
fo much Weaknefs and Fear, yea, fomeiimes
Confufion, that they have hardly known
themfelves what they have faid : And if in
fuch a State any one fhouVi over- run, mifs
in Expreffion, or appear in a Behaviour not
fo agreeable to the Minds of their Brethren,
let luch Brethen exercife Charity; and fee
to thy own Gift thou that art a Hearer, and
try by virtue thereof, whether thou find'ft
rot fomething of God in this Infant Minifler
to, anfwer his Gift in thy own Mind ; and if
on fuch a Search thou find'll not that Satif-
fadion thou could*j(l deure, yet as it is not
proper
[33 ]
proper to lay fudcien Hands on any one to
ill I hem up, fo neither be thou rafh to pull
th m down, but g've Time for Proof, and
c )nlider the Patience of the Huftandman,
how he waits for a Crop after the Seed is
fowii. Having faid fo much to the Hearer,
let me novv advife this infant Mini Jler.
I know thou wilt find very hard Work in
thyfelt ; thy Heart will be often very heavy
and forrowful, and in great Fear and VVeak-
nefs ihou wilt appear as a Minifter, and it
may be much againfl thy Will to appear as
fuch ; yea, thou mayft perhaps dearly re-
pent that ever thou gaveft up to this Service,
and moie efpecially, if thou anfwersft not
thy Expedation, which I may venture
to (ay, none at all Times do; but as thou
keepeft humble and low, being honeftly
given up to be, and do juft what the Lord
by his Spirit would have thee, Refignation
to the Will of God being abfolutely necef-
fary for a Minilier to come to ; and as thou
getteft here, patiently waiting the Lord*s
Time, thou wilt find a greater degree of Ex-
cellency by the Spirit to enlarge thy Under-
ftanding in divine Openings; and when
this grows upon thee, beware of Pride, and
Self-conceit, for that has ruined m ny : But
give the Honour hereof where due ; and the
more th^m art enlarged, labour to be the
more humble, and in fo doing thcu wilt
find S^ifety.
But
[ 34 ]
But under thefe various Trials in thyfelf,
I advife to an inward Waiting upon thy
Gift, to feel the moving thereof in thy owa
Mind, which will by a gentle Illunnina-
tion clear thy Underftanding and Judgnient,
whereby thou wilt fee thy Place and
Service in the Church ; and if thou find^ft it
thy Place to minifter to others, be willing
to do thy Mafter's Will, and ftand up ia
the Meeknefs of the Spirit which moveth
on thy Mind, and fpeak the Word thereof
according to the prefent Opening that is be-
fore thee, regarding ftridly on the one
Hand, by fpeaking too faft and too loud,
thou don't over-run thy natural Strength,
Gift, and Opening, which if thou happens
to fall into, it will bring thee into Cqnfufion,
and thou wilt not know when to conclude,
and fo mayft fliut up thy own Way in ths
Minds of thy Brethren, and bring thyfelf
under a juft Ccnfure; therefore whenever it
happens fo with thee, fit down ; for by en-
deavouring to mend it, thou mayft make it
woifc: So on the other Hand, be not too
low, nor too flow in thy Speech, fo as tq
lofe the Matter that Way ; but carefully
keep to thy Opening, avoiding both the Ex-
treams : Stand up in a calm and quiet Frame
of Mind, as free as pofTible from either a
Fear or Care how thou (halt come off; but
follow thy Guide in all Circumfped:ion and
Humility, beginning, going on, and con-
cluding in thy Gift : Thus w^ilt thou expe-
rience, what the wife Man faid, to be true,
A
[ 35 ]
A Mans Gift maketh Room for him, and p/^°^-»^»»'<
bringeth hini before great Men,
Now the State I have confidered this In-
fant Minifter in, is fach as requires Help by
tender Advice from faithful Friends of Ex-
perience, fo that I may compare him to a
Babe that wants both theBreaft and.nurfmg,
which fhou'd be tenderly and with great
Care adminiftred, fo that if he be correded,
let it be in Love \ if encouraged, let it be
with Prudence-^ both may hurt him, if not
well timed, and given difcreetly.
But now we will fuppofe him a little
grown, and to know himfelf better than a
Babe can, in which Condition he will meet
with Excrcifes according to his Growth and
Experience, againft which it's needful to be
prepared and watchful.
Firfl, After thou begin'ft to know, and
fee a little where thou art, and what thou
art about, there will be an obferving Eye
in thee, to look at the Exercifes and
Miniftry of others, and an Aptnefs to
compare thyfelf with others, which may
have fome ill Effeds upon thee, if not pru-
dently guarded againft. For if thou ap-
prehend'ft on fuch a View, that thy Gift ex-
cels and is preferable to fome others, this
may lift thee up and prove hurtful ; fo on
the other Hand, if thy Brother's Gift in thy
Thoughts is more defirable and acceptable,
E 2 this
[ 36 ]
this may cad thee down, and beget too
mean an Opinion in thee of thy own Gift.
Secondly^ If thou lookeft out at the Excel-
lency and Beauiy of anoiher's Gift to be
more than what is in thy own, a Dtfire may
arife in thee to render thyieif like him, and
fo endeavour to mimick and nriitate the
Delivery, Accent and Manner of others ;
and thus leaving thy own Gift, and devoting
thyfelf to follow, or be guided by others,
thou wilt foon be under a Cloud, and lay a
ftumbling Block in thy own Way, and (hut
up the Heaits of thy Belhren towards thee*
To prevent which thou muft confider, that
as there are ift. Diverji:ies of Gijts, but the
fame Spirit ; therefore mind thy own Gift
and noi anothers, and regard the Spirit that
moves thee In it ; that being the fame that is
in thy Brother or Sifter ; and if thou keep'fl
thy Place therein, thou wilt llkewife fee,
that tho' thy Gift is different from theirs, it
is the fame Spirit. So 2dly. The Admini-
ftration (or Delivery thereof ) difiereth, but
it is the fame Lord that makeih thee to
dlfter from them, and them to differ from
thee ; therefore let not the feeming Excel-
lency that appeals in another's Gift above
thy own, tempt thee to an Imitation of
either Delivery, Manner, or Accent, left
thou infcniibly fall into that Theft, againft
which the Lord by his Prophet complains,
Jcr. xxiii. lam a^a:?ill the Prophets (faith the Lord)
^^' that (leal my Words^ every one from his
Neighbour.
[ 37 ]
Neighbour, Befides, the Way thou hereby
takeft to get Credit, and a Place in the
Church, will be the fliorteli Way to lofc
it, and at beft thou wilt be taken for one
that apes and mimicks what thou canft never
attain to 5 and the more thou flriveft this
Way, the worfe it will be ; therefore I ad-
vife thee, keep to thy own Gift, Manner of
Delivery, and the Matter that is opened in
thy Mind by the Spirit.
To make this Point yet more plain, it is
needful thou firfl learn to know there is Z)/-
'verjities of GiftSy and tho' thine may differ
fiOmanothersGift, yet mind to keep to it, and
by this thou wilt know, that thou art in thy
Gift ; if after thou haft been exercifed there-
in, thou fee'eft inward Satisfadion and Com-
fort to flow in thy Mind ; but if thou find'ft
Trouble and Hcaviq^efs, confider whether
thou haft not been out of thy Place, either
in the Manner of delivering thyfelf, which
relates to the Adminiftiation, which may
juftly differ, and yet have a Beauty in it,
tho' thou may ft not fee it thyfelf; or it
may relate to the Matter delivered, and tho'
that may differ from that of another, whofe
Dodrine thou mayft think more acceptable
and in more apt Terms, which may tempt
thee to imitate him; this will bring an Un-
eafinefs and a Cloud over thy Mind ; there-
fore keep to thy own Way, both in thy
Opening and delivering thereof, guarding
againft ail affcded Tones of finging or figh-
ing
f 38 ]
ing, and drawing out thy Words and Sen-*
fences beyond their due Length, and by
fpeaking two much in a Breath, and fo add-
ing an Ah ! to the End of them, and draw-
ing thy Breath with fuch a Force and
Groan, as will drown thy Matter, and ren-
der thee unacceptable to thy Hearers j like-
wife guard againft fuperfluous Words, im-
pertinently brought in, (bch as, 1 may fay I
As it were 'y All and every one y Dear Friends^
and Friendly People ; with fundry others of
the like Kind, which add nothing to thy
Matter, fpoiling its Coherence and Beauty
of ExprefTion : Likewife avoid all indecent
Geftures of the Body, as throwing thy Arms
cbroady and lifting up thy Eyes ; fuch Gef-
tures not fuiting the Dignity of the Mini-
ftry ; neither lift up thy Voice beyond thy
natural Strength, nor flrain thyfelf beyond
due Bounds, vainly fuppofing, that when
thou makelt mofi: Noife with an Accent
and Tone, that pleafeth thy own Imagina-
tion, that the Power is moft with thee 5
when indeed it is nothing but the Heat of
thy own Spirit, and Sparks of thy own kind-
ling, which whoever are overtaken by, and
give way to, muft expeft no lefs than to lie
down in Sorrow.
I therefore advife thee to wait for the De-
fcending of the Gift of the Spirit, which will
bring an Exercife over thy Mind, in which
thou mayft be opened with fome Matter
fuiting the prefent Occafion j and when thou
find'ft
[ 39 1
find'ft It is thy Place to (peak, ftand up ; for
it is not to be fuppofed that all thou mayft
have to fay on this or that Subjcdl, can come
before thee e'er thou begins to Ipeak : And
if thou (hould'ft fuppofe it, and lo wait,
endeavouring to prepare thyfelf like a School
Boy, thou v^ilt be greatly dilappointed, not
fpeaking what thou intended, but fomething
elfe that thou intended not, which may be
thy Trouble and Grief ; therefore, whea
thou findeft a Subjcd: brought before thee,
be not defirous of any thing more than the
Virtue of the Spirit of Wifdom to dire<ft
thy Mind in rightly dividing the Word ;
carefully obferving as aforefaid, to ftand up
with a calm and undifturbed Mind ; for if
thou art under a Fear in thyfelf, of either
the Aflembly, or any one in it, it will much
hurt thy Service, thy Underftanding will not
JDC clear ; therefore it is beCter thou fhould'ft
wait until thou getteft over that fearful Tem-
per, and thy Gift will help thee over this
Weaknefs in due Time, as thou in Sincerity
keep'ft to it ; neither fufFer thyfelf to think
of doing fomething extraordinary to be ad-
mired, nor have a Defire to appear, when it
is thy place to be filent, but remember at
firft it was a Crofs to fpeak, let it not be fo
to be filent, but in a true Refignation be
contented to be juft what the Gift affifts
and helps thee to be at that Time.
And, being thus prepared, mind the Time
pf thy Offering, that thou mayft not hinder
[ 40 ]
the Service of another, nor hurt thy own,
by either ftanding up too loon, or fianding
too long ; all which will be prevented, as
thou keep*ft in a quiet cool frame, retaining
thy Underftanding, that thou mayit fpeak
with the Spirit and Underflanding alfo :
Thus, all will be comforted and edified to-
gether, and thou wilt find it mod f^fe to
begin, and goon in thy Miniftry, juft as thy
Strength in the Gift is upon thee, fo will
thy Matter and Voice be filled wirh divine
Virtue and Power, and thy Hearers will be
confirmed, that thou doft Ipeak by Authority
from above ; herein will thy Joy be very great.
Bat this Reftgnation fpoken of, is fuch
that we (hou'd be always under, ft ill fub-
mitting to the Gift ; {> that if we find fome
divine Openings in our Minds, which njay
be intended by the Giver for our own Inftruc-
tion, when we find it fo, beware of giving
that to others which is defigned for ouiiel^es,
but let us intreat the Divine Being, to aiTift
us by his Grace, to make a right Application
of lach Openings, and this will ftill add to
our Qualification and Improvement in the
Work ; but it for want of this Care to know
thy Place, thou fhould'ft attempt to Preach,
when it is thy Place to be filent, from the
Opening afovefaid, thou wik by fo doing
give that away to others wh'ch thou ought
to feed upon thyfelf, and fo become a for-
mal and unprofitable Minifler : The true
Knowledge of the Time when to Ipeak,
and
[ 41 ]
and when to be filent (fo needful to the very
being of a Minifter) will be lofl, and thy
Labour will be in the Dark, and Weaknefs
will furround thee on every Side. Then
when thou findeft it thy Place to fpeak, be-
gin as if thou were going to relate any Mat-
ter of Fadl to a fingle Perfon, taking Care
at ieaft however, not to appear in a more
unbecoming manner in an Affembly, than
thou dod in thy common Affairs ; but fome
have in their Miniftry delivered themfelves
mo^e aukwardly and unbecomingly than at
other Times: Not that I wou'd be fup-
poied to conclude any fhou'd, in the fame
Manner and Accent, deliver his Miniftry as
his common Difcourie, but then the Dif-
ference fhou'd be, that he fiiou'd deliver
his Miniftry with more Avvtulncfs pertinent
to the Subjed: before him, than he does
his Difcourfe in common, according to the
Degree of Affiftance received by the Spirit
at that Time ; and this will be a Confirm-
ation to them that hear, that fuch fpeak
as having Authority: Bat a Deportment
different from this, and appearing in Terms
not agreeable to lound Dodrine, give Rea-
fon juftly to fufped: the contrary ; and fuch
bring Contempt upon themfelves, being
look'd on no other than Pretenders to what
they have no right to meddle with ; befides,
to impute fuch Condu6l to Infpiiation,
ftill adds to and heightens the Offence; and
therefore to avoid thefe Faults, begin with
Temper, in coolnefs of Mind, and go on as
F thou
[ 42 ]
tliou feeft thy Way open, and findefl: thy
Underflanding enlarged ; thus wilt thou
have pertinent Words to exprefs, and Scrip-
tures which will fuit thy Matter, and con-
firm it, will be brought to thy Remem-
brance that may not have been thought of,
,nor read by thee long before : Here thou
Vv'ilt fee a Reafon for what thou fayeft -, thy
Underftanding being clear and bright, thou
wilt be able to render a Reafon for what
thou haft preach'd for Dcdlrine : And if
thou ft:iould'ft not in thy Words exa<fl:ly fuit
with the Senfe of fome that are rhy Elders,
yet this Friendly, cool Temper of Mind,
will render thee open to receive from fome
kind Aquiilci or Prijcilla Inflrudtion in the
Way of the Lord more perfedtly, all which
will end to thy Advantage and Improve-
ment : Befides, this calm and eafy going on
in thy Delivery, will give thee an Advantage
to raife thy Voice, as thou find'il: inwaid
Strength and Virtue from the Spirit to in-
creafe ; and as that grows upon thee, thou
wilt find thy Voice to alter and fill with
Virtue, and thy Delivery beautified with an
acceptable Mein and Deportment : Thus
will thy Words be filled with Spirit and
Lifo ; but if thou raifeft thy Voice higher,
and fpeakeft fafter than thou find'ft Spiritual
Strength to aflift, thou wilt over-run thy
Opening, and natural Strength alio, and
unavoidably fall into Confufion ; therefore,
as thy Gift differs from thy Brother^s, fo
play thy Delivery, and thy Opening alfo,
which
[ 43 ]
which I befeech thte to keep to ; then wilt
thou acquit thyfelf as a Man of God, a
Workman that need 770t to be r^fiamed^
rightly dividi?2g the Word of 'Truth, This
brings me to fpeak more paiticularly to the
Difference of the Operaiion or Opening,
being the 3d. and lafl Head under the
Apollle's Notice, who fays, And there ^r^icor. xH.
Diverjities of Operations, hut it is the fame
Gody which "worketh ail in alL
CHAP. IV.
'Advices as to the Matter and Manner of
Expreflion, Gfr.
THERE are Diver fities of Operations^
but the fame God^ Soc, This relates
to the Opening, which may likewife differ
in the Manner of its being exprcffcd, feeing
there are fundry Ways of expreffing the-
fame Thing.
I ft. By Parables, or Comparifons fult-
ably adapted.
2d. By Allegories.
Firfi, By Parables is the Beauty, Excel-
lency, and Virtue of Truth often fee forth
in lively and moving Terms, producing in
the Hearers the Paffions of Sorrow, Anger,
^^ Jc>y> as the Matter fet ^orth affeits them,
F 2 fo
[ 44 ]
fo that hereby they are drawn unawares to
pafs a fevere Judgment upon their own Do-
ings, as in the Cafe of David, when Na^
than had by a Parable fet forth the Rich
Man's Ipjuftice, in taking away the Poor
Man's Ewe-Iamb, which was his All, to
entertain his Gueft with, and thereby fparing
his own Flock: Now David hearing this
fo movingly defcribed, was ftruck with fuch
an Abhorrence of fo vile an A(fl, that he
faid, j^s the Lord liveth, the Man that hath
done this l^hing Jlmll fiirely die^ and reflore
the Lamb four fold^ becaufe he had no Pity :
Nathan made the Application, and faid to
David, l^hou art the Man : And David foon
was fenfible he had pad a juft Judgment
upon himfelf. Sundry Examples might be
brought to fet this Way of Speaking in a
true Light ; but to avoid Prolixity, I confine
inyfelf to only three more ; the firfl is in
Jfaiah, where God fets forth the Houfe of
Ijrae! under the Parable of a Vineyard, and
the Men of Judah as his pkafant Plants %
having beflowed great Hufbandry on the
Vineyard, he looked for Fruit agreeable
thereto, but being difappointed, he thus
complains, Whtn I looked for Grapes, (mean-
ing thereby the Fruits of Righteoufnefs,
Judgment and Truth, agreeable to the Law
of that juft God from whom they had re-
ceived fo many and unparallel'd Favours)
they brought forth wild Grapes : meaning
thereby, Opprcffion, Cruelty, Difobedicnce and
Injufiice, fuch Fruits as the Gentiles (who
bad
[45 ]
had not been favoured Jike iht Jews) brought
forth agreeable to the Nature of their dege-
nerate and corrupt Hearts.
Thtfecojtd Parable is our Saviour's, where-
in he fcts forth the Injuftice of the Jews by
the fame kind of Figure : There was a cer-
tai?i Hoiijljoldcr planted a Vineyard^ and let
it out to Hujbandmen^ and when the Time
of Fruit came^ he Jent his Servants, whom
they beat ; he Jent again and again his Ser-
*vants, and they met with the fame Treatment ;
but at laft he faid, / will fend my Son, per-
haps they will JJjew Reverence unto him ; but
iniiead of that, fay they, This is the Heir^
come let us kill him, and the Inheritance
will he ours. This fo prick'd the Jews to
the Heart, that they foon perceiv'd it re-
lated to them, and w^ere fore oifended
v^'lth it.
The Third and laft that I (hail obfervc
here, is in Luke viii. A Sower (fays our
Saviour) went forth to fow, fome fell by the
Way- fide, and it was trodden down, and the
Fowls of the Air devoured it. Soine fell upon
a Rock, and it withered away, becaufe it
lacked Moijlure : And fome fell among Thorns^
and the Thorns fpru77g up with it and choked
it. Some fell on good Ground, and brought
forth fome an Hundred fold, fome Sixty^
and Jome Thirty^ as in Mat. xiii. 8.
Thefe,
[ 46 ]
Thefe, with fundry others of the like
Kind, interfperfed here and there in the
Text, {hew the wonderful Excellency and
Beauty which are given to and opened in a
Minifter by the divine Word, in fpeaking
by Parables, Comparifons, or Allegories,
thereby gaining great Attention ; and it is
very moving, and of good Service to them,
that hear, being given and opened by the
Spirit alone : And for this Realon thou
mayft be tempted to imitate ; which when
any onp undertakes, who is not qualified,
nor opened by the Spirit therein, it makes
confufed Work, and inftead of edifying
the Hearers, grieves and loads them with
Trouble and Sorrow, to hear folid and di-
vine Truths fo darkened and perplexed, by
multiplying Words without true Knowledge ;
thus religious People are grieved : But on the
other hand, this makes Diverfion and Sport
for the loofer Sort, who are too apt to make
a Mock at all Religion and Preaching ; for
which Reafon, it behoves every one to con-
fidcr how they are qualified for the Work
of the Miniftry, left by undertaking what is
above their Capacities, and prefent Strength,
they fiiould caufe Laughter and Lightnefs,
by delivering impertinent Parables, Compa-
rifons and Allegories, not opened to them,
nor given them by the Spirit of God ; that
Spirit idjich jearchetb all Things^ yea the
deep things of God \ and is the Foundation
of all the true Miniftry and Minifters.
Secondly^
I 47 ]
Secondly y By Allegories ^ as the Apoftle
fays, Gal. iv. For it is "written^ that Abra-
ham had two Sons, the one by a Bond- maid j
the other by a Free-woman, But he who was
of the Bond-woman was born after the Flejh :
But he of the Free-wo?nan was by Promife.
Which things (fays he) are an Allegory \
for thefe are the two Covenants, For this
Agar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and anfwer-
eth to Jerufalem which now is, and is in
Bondage with her Children, But Jerufalem
which is above, is free, which is the Mother
of us all (meaning true Believers) that are
become the Sons of God by Faith in ffus
Chrifl', for none ever receiv'd him by Faith,
but w^ith him they did receive Power to be-
come free-born Children of the nev^ feru^
falem. Another of this Kind is in Hebrews
the viith. touching the Priefl-hood^ and OJice
of our Saviour as the High Prie/i of our
Profeffion and Miniflry, from whom we
are to receive Power for that Work.
There are yet other Ways of the Opera-
tions of the Gift to be fpoke to, which to
be more intelligible in, I conclude them
under the following Heads.
I ft. By Narration of God's dealing with
his People in paft Ages.
2d. By recounting the Goodnefs of God
to ouifelve?.
3d-
[48 ]
3d. By declaring the great Encourage-
ment we have to Virtue, from the Bleffings
that others have met with.
4th. By expatiating on fome particular
Text.
5th. And laftly, by fetting forth the fun-
dry Difpenfations of God to Mankind, by
opening the Myftery of the Law that came
by MofeSy as figurative of the Gofpel, and
how the Prophets did point at the fame
Thing.
Fir ft then, By Narration of God's dealing
with his People in paft Ages. Such was the
Sermon of Stephen^ Acls the viith, and of
Taiil^ A6ts the xiiith, both which have the
fame Tendency ; for that of Stephen^ Acts
the viith, the firft Part of what he faid,
was by enumerating God's Dealings with
Abraham^ with Ifaac, and with Ijrael, to
gain the Attention and Notice of his Hear-
ers : For the Subftance of that Sermon was
to let them fee, they were a6led by the fame
Spirit as were their Fore-fathers who ftoned
the Prophets, and put them to Death. For
(fays he) as your Fathers did, Jo do ye^
always refijl the Holy Ghoft. This lo prick'd
and gaul'd them, that they verified his
Words, ftoning him until he died : By this
we may learn, the Way of the Spirit which
fometime leadeth into, and openeth in our
Minds, Matter which only ferveth to gain
upon
[ 49 ]
upon the Affedion and Attention of them
that hear ; for if one fliou'd fall diredly
upon their prefent States without a Parable,
Comparifon, Allegory, or Kiiiorical Rela-
tion, as introductory thereto, it might
render our Labour uitlefs and inefUctual;
bat fuch an Introdudion, given us by the
Spirit, may make Way for a more fearching
and clofe Miniftry, in fecting the States of
the Hearers in a true Light before their
Eyes.
Secondly, By recounting the Goodnefs of
God to ourfehes^ in his great Mercy vifiting
our Souls while in the full Career of Difobe-
dience ; and this requires great Caie and
Caution, that Boajltng may be excluded,
and the Honour of his Name, whom we
preach, exalted in our Minillry, confirming
the fame by Scripture, and the Experience
cf holy Men recorded therein : Such was
that of Paul before Fejius and King Agrippa^
ABs xxvi. 2 2. Having therefore ((ays he)
obtained Help of God, I continue unto this Day
njoitnejjing both to fmall and great, Verf. 23.
That Chrifl fijoud Suffer^ and that he (Imid
be the firii tfoat fJjoud rije from the Dead,
So that when Paul appeai'd to the King*s
Faith, urging, Verf. 27. / kno-jo that thou
Believe fl ', and he confef&'d hirnlelf, Verf.
28. almofi perfwaded to be a Chriftian,
Thus Paul magnified the Goodnefs of God
to himfelf, yet fet forth therein, that Chiift
is the true and proper Objed of Faith.
G Thirdly,
[ 50 ]
Thirdly, In declaring the great Encourage*
ment *we have to purjue Virtue, jrom the
BleJJings that others have met with thereby^
fuch as Enochs Noah^ Abraham, ^ojeph^
Samuel^ David, &c. The Author to tlie
Hebrews, in the xith Chapter, giving us a
large Account of the Faithfulneis of the
Faithful, both Men and Women, which
are enumerated to this very End (as himfelf
declares) that we may be provoked by the
ftrongclt Examples and Inducements to
follow the fame Steps in our Purluit of
Virtue : For when he fams up the Evidence
(as it may be properly termed; in the xiith
Chapter, he begins, Wherefore Jeeing we alfo
are compajfed about with fo great a Cloud of
Witnejfes, let us lay afide every Weighty and
the Sin which doth fo eafily befet us. And
let us run with Patience the Race that is Jet
before us.
Fourthly, By expatiating on fome certain
Texts^ in the Openings of Life, which is
ftill for procuring to them who hear, the
fame End, by begetting Faith in Chrift the
Saviour of the World ; for Faith comes by
Hearing with a believing Heart : Such
therefore was the Preaching of Philip to
the Eu?7uch^ ABs viii. For it is written, Phi-
lip opened his Mouth, and began at the fame
Scripture^ and preached unto him Jesus.
And fomewhat like unto this is that of our
Saviour in Luke the ivth, where He went
into the Synagogue on the Sabbath- Day y a?id
flood
f 5M
flood up for to read, and there was delivered
unto him the Book of the Prophet Efaias ; and
when he h^id opened the Book^ he found the
Place where it was written^ The Spirit of the
l.ord is upon iiie, (Sc. And he clo/ed the
Booky and gave it again to the Minifier^ and
Jat down : And the Eyes of all them that were
in the Synagogue were ffhned on him. Then
he opened his Mouth, expounding the fame,
fayi- g. 'this Day (Verf. 2 i.) is this Scrips
ture fulfilled in your Ears : Proceeding to
the Amazement of them that heard him.
I now come to the fifth and laft Head,
which I propole to intimate to my Reader.
Fifthly, and laftly, By fetti?jg forth the
fundry Difpenfations of God to Mankind^ as
to Abraham and Lot ; afid in opening the
My fiery of the Law that came by Moles, as
only preparatory to the Gofpel^ and how the
Prophets did point out Chrirt, the Subjiance,
which was figured forth by the Offerings and
Shadows under that Difpen/iztion. Now we
find the Difpenfation of Angels to Noah^
Abraham^ and Lot, agreeing with the Pro*
phets that came after ; for unto Abraham
was promifed the Bitfling of all Nations :
Likewife opening the true and fpiritual
Meaning of Jfraelh Travels, after their being
delivered from Pharaolh Power and Thral-
dom, and (hewing by the Spirit, that thefe
Things in the Hiftory have a Meaning to
Believers in the Myftery, fuch as their Go-
G 2 ing
[52]
ing through the Red Sea, and being purfued
by the Power of E^ypt^ and their Deliver-
ance by an Almighty Arm, which overturn-
ed thei: Enemies ; and their being proved by
Want of Bread and Water •, as alio their
giofs Mi (lake in fetting up the Egyptian Idol,
the golden Calf, and dancing before it, with
this Acclamation of Joy, Thefe be thy gods^
O Ifrael ! &c. Now 1 fay, all thefe Things
that happened to J/rael in Egypt, through
the Red Sea, and in the Wiidernefs, have a
true Rcfemblance of Believers travelling from
ipiritual Sodom and Egypt ^ fo called ; which
is no other than coming from a State of
fallen Nature in the firft Adam, in which all
are dead, and Strangers to God, being in the
Enmity, are Children of Wrath, unto a
State of Grace and Li^e through Jefus Chrift,
our fpiritual Mofes, being reconciled to God
through him who is the fecond Adam, the
Lord from Heaven, who never fell. And
thus as we are opened by the Spirit, in the
Miniftry of the Letter, to hold forth the
I true Meaning of the Spirit, therein we may
be inftrumental to bring many Souls out
of the Enmity and Wrath, to be reconciled
to God through J-fus Chrift. And this
Minillry is called the Word of Reconciliation.
« Cor. V. Noiv then we are AmbaJJddors for Chrift, as
^^' ^''' though God did befeech you by us : We pray
you in Chrift' s ftead^ be ye reconciled to God,
Now I fay, a Minifter ought firft to expe-
rience the Veil, that is in the Hiftory of the
Letter, taken away by the Operation of
Chrift's
[ 53 ]
Chrl{l*s Spirit in his own Heart, and the
Subftaiice of the Figures under the Law,
given to him in Experience, and this will
give him Boldnefs to declare what God has
done for his Soul, as faid the Apoftle •
Knowing therefore the terrors oj the Lord^ 2 cor. y,
ive perjwdde Men , viz. we Labour to turn
Men tiom Daiknefs to Light, and from the
Power of Saran (the fpintual Pharaoh) unto
God, tfc. And as is before obferved, the
Senfe of thtfe Terrors may be fo acute
and (harp upon the Spirits of our young
Preachets, that they may with more Charity
be excufed that Warmth of Zeal in warning
and fore -warning others to forfake thofe
Evils, for which they have fo lately and fe-
vcrely fmarted : I fay, they may be borne
with, and Charity (hou'd be uppermoft in
our Minds towards fuch, wheie this is
the Cafe.
Now all thefe afore-named Openings of
the Spirit, as we are condufted therein by
the Word of Life, are of great Ufe and
Service in the Church, to beget Faith in
Unbelievers, to build up and confiFm them
that have had fome Tafte and Feeling of
the Heavenly Gift ; and this may fo afFe<3:
fome, who have obtained Part of the fame
Miniftry, that they may be in danger of
Borrowing one of another, and endeavouring
to imitate the fame ; but not having the
fame Virtue and Power attending, the
Nakednefs of (uch will foon appear : But
the
f 54 ]
the Danger of Borrowing may lie as near,
refpedting the Scriptures of the Old and
New Teftament, with any other Books that
may afflcH: our Minds, as what we have
heard dehvered in the Openings of Life.
For it is no more lawful for us to preach
what we have read, becaufe we have read it,
than it is for us to preach what we have
beard, becaufe we have heard it. Nay, I
may further add (what thou wilt find by
Experience true in due Time) that it is not
lawful for thee to repeat thy own Experi^
cnce, and former Openings, meerly in thy
own Strength of Memory and Will ; for if
thou doft treafure up and furnifli thyltlf this
way, thou wilt be greatly difappointed, and
thy Doftrine will be like the Manna kept out
of Seafon ; IVarrns bred in it, and it (tank.
Now a fpiritual Minifter is, and ought every
Day to bi like Blank Paper, when he comes
into the Affembly of the Lord's People, not
depending on any former Openings or Ex-
perience, either of his owi or others, that
he hath heard or read ; but his only and (ole
Dependance muft be on the Gift of the
Spirit, to give, and bring to his Underftand-
ing Matter fuitable to the prefent State of the
Affembly, Thus will thy Words be fitly
fpoken, like Apples of Gold in PiBures of
Silver, and thou wile appear as the Oracle
of God, miniftring out of that Ability which
God gives, and under his Conduct thou wilt
be (afe ; thy Words being full of Spirit and
Life, will edify the Hearers, and thy own
Heart
[ S5^
Heart will be full of Comfort and Peace,
the Comfort of the holy Spirit ; which will
bring thee great Honour and Refpcdt from
thy Brethren, which ought with great Care
to be received ; and the more thou haft
hereof, the mo e Humble and Circumfpeft
oughi'ft thou to be in rendring the Honour
where due, viz. to thy Lord and Mafter,
the Lord Jefus Chrift, the great Minifter^
and Apoilie of our Profeffion.
Having brought our young Minifters thus
far, wc will confider them fitted for other
Services in Travelling, which fhall be the
Subjedl of the next Chapter.
CHAP. V.
Advices to a cautious Condufl: and Deport-
ment in their Travels in the H^ork of the
Ministry.
WE will now confider our young Mf-
nifler, as having an Enlargement of
both Underftanding and Love, engaging his
Mmd to labour for the Good of others;
and this can't be confined to thy own Meet-
ing, Church, or County, where thou hafl
* thy Refidence ; but the conftraining Power
of Love, arifing from the Operation of the
Gift in thy own Mind, may bring thee under
a weighty Concern to Vifit the Churches
Abroad,
[ 56 ]
Abroad, in which Work there generally is
a gradual Beginning ; /r/?, in Vifiting thy
neighbouiing iMeetings ; and in this Work,
as thou keep'll thy Place, thou wilt gain
Experience, and thereby come to be more
lit to undertake weightier Service.
Firfi then, Be not over- forward to Vifit
Friends Abroad, left thou fhould'ft bring
thyfelf under a Sufpicion of running too faft ;
neither be too backward, left thou fliould'ft
hurt thyfelf by hindering thy Growth in that
Love which wou'd enlarge thy Mind for the
edifying of the Church, and thy own Com-
fort : In order therefore to both, I requeft a
due Attention in thy Mind, to feel the con-
ftfaining Power of Love to draw thy Spirit
before thou goeft, which will, with a divine
AfFedlion, and ardent Defire, move ftrong
in thee for the Good of them thou art to
Vifit : Let this reft upon thee, with a Refig-
nation, that if it be thy Place, thou art both
ready and willing to go. If thefe Defires
arife in thee from a right Spirit, thou wilt
feel great Peace in fo giving up, with a clear
Sight and Satisfaction in thyfelf to go. Now
after thou haft given up to Vifit thy neigh-
bouring Meetings, and art come amongft
ftrange Friends and Faces, thou wilt find
thyfelf under great Fears and Doubts, how
thou fhalt come off ; and perhaps it may be,
poor enough in thy own Efteem, fo that
thou mayft think thou hadft better have
ftaid at Home 3 and a Jealoufy may pofifefs
thy
[ 57 ]
thy Mind, that the Friends judge thou art
out of thy Place : And thus thou may (I re-
turn under a Cloud for thy Undertaking,
and more efpecially fio, if thou find'ft thyfelf
guilty of Slips in Expreffion or Dodtrine,
either in mifapplying or mifciting the Text ;
this may dull thy Spirits, and flag thy Incli-
nations for the prefent exceedingly : But thou
muft not reft here, for the Gift thou haft
received will not thus be fmother'd, if thoa
regardeft it as thou ought'ft, and the Trou-
ble thou meeteft with may be of good Ufe to
thee, which hereafter thou mayft fee (the'
it does not now appear) therefore, as thou
keep'ft thy Place, thou wilt find thy Heart
more ardently inclined to go again, when
no doubt thy laft Vifit v^ill be remembered
as a Block in thy Way to fo good a Work ;
but that ought not to hinder, tho' it will
humble thee ; but go again, chiefly regard-
ing to look in the proper Place for Help,
where thou haft in Time part met with it ;
and if thou comeft off well now this fecond
Vifit, finding All pleafed, this may raife
thee in thy own Thoughts more than may-
be for thy Good, if thou doft not watch-
fully call to Mind the Foundation of that
Excellency in which thou haft appeared,
and give the Praife thereof to the Almighty,
difcouraging in thyfelf, or any other, any
Thing that may appear contrary thereto.
Thus by degrees thou wilt be more ac-
quainted and inured to ftrange Faces and
Meetings, and wilt get Strength over that
H flavifti
[58 ]
flaviih Fear and Uneafinefs, occafioned
through want of Experience ; and as'thou
witnefft^tfe a Growth in thy Gift, the Word
of Life, a Concern of greater Moment and
Confequence may fall upon thee -, for as thy
Heart is enlarged in the Word of Life, thy
Love will be farther extended tovv^ards the
Children of Men, and Inclinations will be
raifed in thy Mind (in Proportion to that
Love which is begot in thee, by the Gift of
the Spirit thou haft received to minifter from)
to make farther Vifits to the Meetings and
People of God, in feme adjacent County or
Counties ; under the Lnpiil/e whereof, thou
wnlt find many Difficulties and Hardfhips
laid in thy Way, which will bring thee un-
dtra great Strait what to do, fometimes con-
cluding this, and fometimes that 5 but whilft
thou art under this Doubting, it will be pro-
per to advife with fome Minifters, who have
had fome Experience in the like Cafe, and
let them know, how it is and hath been
with thee, refpeding thy prefent Concern,
and they may be affif^ing to fatisfy thy
Mind, and thou mayft from that conclude
to give Way, being eafy and well fatisfied
it is thy Place to go; but before thou takefl
thy J^;urney, lay the Matter before thy
Brethren, in order for a proper Certificate^
or a Letter of Recommendation, fignifying
their Satisfadion and Unity with thy Un-
dertaking. All this being done, the Con-
fent of thy Friends and Brethien obtained,
and nothing appearing now to obftruct,
give
[ ?9 ] _
give up freely to make this intended Vifit,
always minding, that thou keepeft clofe to
thy Gift, and follovvell the Leadings thereof
both in thy Journeyings and Dodtiine -, fo
wilt thou find thy Strength inwardly to in-
creafe, and Experience will be daily added
to thy Knowledge, and thou wilt be pre-
ferved from going too faft in thy Travels,
or from being perfwaded to go out of thy
right Line, and Concern ; or irom lingering
too long in particular Places, all which are
hurtful Miftakes when fallen into ; but as
thy Mind is preferved under the Condudl of
tlie Spirit and Word of Truth, thou wilt fee
when it is thy Place to return \ and the fame
conftraining Power of Love in thy Heart,
which drew thee forth, will lead thee home
again ; and when thou art there, endeavour
to keep thy Place in Humility, left thou
(hould'ft mifs thy Way by endeavouring to
appear as an able Minifter, fuppofing, be-
caufe thou haft been Abroad a little, thou
muft nov/ give fome Proof of thy Apoftlertiip
by enlarging on fuch Matters as come before
thee, apprehending, that thy Friends at
home may exped: iuch a Performance from
thee; and if thou (hould'ft let thy Mind
out to anfwerthem therein, thou mayft dif-
appoint thyfelf as well as thofe that hear thee.
To avoid whijh, be mindful to regard thy
Opening, proceeding no farther than led' by
the Spirit in thy Minitlry, let it be little or
much, without endeavouring to make it
more or lefs ; neither covet to appear well
H 2 read
[ 6o ]
read or learned ; for by giving Way to fuch
a Temper thou mayft difcover thy Weaknefs,
and appear both foolifh and impertinent to
them that hear thee. It is flife for a Mini-
fter to defue no other Knowledge than the
Work of Regeneration in. his own Mind,
that he may fpeak to others the Things of
the Spirit (in iuch Words of Plainnefs as are
received from it) becaufe he knows them to
be true in his own Experience, always re-
membering, that/ it is not lawful for us to
fpeak our own Experience in our own Time
and Will, but we muft wait to feel fome
fpiritual Virtue, and divine AiTiftance in our
Minds, enabling us, by opening our Under-
ilandings, to declare to others with Power
and Authority, in the Word of Life, what
God has done for our Souls; and this will
be delivered in fuch Terms and Plainnefs of
Speech, as they that are unlearned, and of
low Capacities, will underlland ; but if we
undertake the Work in our own Time, and
depend upon Strength of Memory, either
irom what has been opened to us before,
or from what we have formerly had in our
Experience, we fhall eaiily fall under that
Temptation of endeavouring to appear elo-
quent, by embellifhing cur Difcourfe with
fuch Terms and Phrafcs as we may not
rightly underfland, and therefore may mif-
apply; and thus byafpiringto appear know-
ing^ ijcell read, and eloquent^ we may difco-
ver our Nakednefs bv aiminp; at forbidden
Knowledge, as our firfl Parents did: Our
Safety
[ 6i ]
Safety therefore ftands in keeping to the
Root of the Miniftry, the Infpiration of the
Spirit, patiently waiting at all Times to
know our Places and Services in the Mini-
ftry, that when we fpeak, it may be the
Word and Mind of the Spirit, and not our
own; and when we minifter, it may be in
that Strength and Ability which God is
pleafed to give, and not our own ; and thus
fhall we gain Strength, and our Labour will
be acceptable ; the Hearts of our Brethren
will be opened and enlarged towards us,
as we thus approve ourfelves Work-men
that rightly divide the Word of Truth;
herein neither we ourfelves, nor thofe that
hear us, will have any juft Caufe to be
afhamed.
Now as thou thus keepeft thy Place in
thy Gift, thou wilt grow therein, and thy
Defire and Inclinations will likewife with
ardent Love grow in Proportion with thy
Gift; for the Tendency of a fpiritual Mini-
ftry, and its Nature is fuch, that it enflames
the Mind, wherever it is, with a Defire of
doing Good to the Souls of Men, and to be
inftrumental to promote their Happinefs,
both here and hereafter, according to that
Ability received ; and this is no other than
the Love of God in Chrift Jefus, woiking
on thy Mind, and gently conftraining thee
to fo good a Work ; and thou wilt nov/
clearly lee, that a Diipenfation of the Gofpel
is given thee in Charge, and thy Care
ought
[ 62 ]
ought to increafe with thy Gift, how to
Difcharge thy Duty therein ; but thou
wilt alfo find at Times very ftrong Reafon-
ings againft thy tJndeitaking, nay perhaps
flronger than before, and wilt be ready to
think, and fay to thyfelf, Why Jhoud I
trouble my Mhid about thefe Thifjgs^ I had
bejl mind my own Work now 1 am youngs and
endeavour to improve ??tyfelf in the Affain of
this Life, which will be both prudent and
commendable ; this I will endeavour, and
likewife be as religious and careful of myfelf
as 1 can, and let others look to tbemfelves for
me, that's their Duty and not f?nne. Such
like Reafonings as thefe will at Times rife
very high in thy Way ; but notwithftand-
ing, as thou keepeft to thy Gift, and wait-
eft in it, all thefe Clouds of Reafonings
will vaniih, and thy Mind will be fecretly
enflamed with Love to promote Faith on
the Earth.
Now the firft Journey I fuppofed very
fliort, foon out and loon Home ; but pre-
fuming the next to be longer, it will be
more needful than it was tlie firft Time
to have the Approbation of the Monthly-
Meeting of which thou art a Member, and
it may fo happen, that fome of thy Brethren
may think that thou art not qualified for fuch
an Undertaking, but they may advife thee
to tarry at Home till thou art (in their
Thoughts) better fitted for fuch a Vifit; and
this may be a very hard Trial, which if not
rightly
[ 63 ]
rightly taken, may prove hurtful to thy
Mind ; for if thou art apt to be dejeded,
this may bring the very low, and ftagger
thee, fo as to call in queftion the very
Foundation which thou haft thus far pro-
ceeded upon in thy Mlniftry, but if thou
keepeft thy Place in thy Gift, this will be
of great Benefit to thee, in gaining Expe-
rience. I fay, here will be a great need
of keeping a clofe Watch over thy own
Temper and Spirit, left Prejudice fliou'd
beget hard Thoughts in thy Mind againft
thofe whom thou mayft look upon as Oppo-
fers, becaufe they fcruple giving Confent to
thy travelling fo long a Journey as is pro-
pofed; fo that if thou art of a vindidive
Temper, and apt to refent, this may, if
thou art not very watchful, tindlure thy
Miniftry with Bitternefs which will appear
by giving flant and fide Strokes in thy
Preaching, or by fuftering thyfelf to think,
that what they offer in Oppofition to thy
Travelling, proceeds from fome private
Pique or Refentment, and not from any
juft Caufe of Objection that they have
to thy Miniflry, but out of a captious
Humour they fet themfelves againft thee;
and thou to be even with them, giving
way to PalTion and Refentment, fo that
thy Mind is foured, and thy Miniftry tinc-
tured with Anger and Revenge, giving Side-
blows with a View to oppofe thy Oppofers ;
but whatever thy Succtls may be refpcding
them, thou mayft affure thyfelf, by this
Condudl
[ H ]
Condudl thou wilt expofc thyfelf to Con*.
tempt with thy Befl Friends, and make thy
Way more ftrait, by increafing the Num-
ber of diffatisfied Brethren by thy Preaching
fo full of Refentment, and void of Gofpel
Love 5 the more thou ftriveft this Way for
Vidory and Enlargement, the greater and
ftronger the Oppofition will be againft thee,
and thou wilt become an Objedt of Con-
tempt : Therefore to avoid all the Incon-
veniences that may arife on this Account,
it will be fit to confider, that for every
Fault or Error thou art guilty of in thy
Travels, whether it be in Dodtrine or Con-
verfation, the Meeting and Friends that
have recommended thee as a Minifter, mull
fhare largely with thee, both in the Blame
and Shame thou bring'ft upon thy Profeffion
and Miniftry, by thy ill Condudt or dif-
agreeable Dodlrine ; and therefore every
Friend and Brother in thy own Meeting
ought to be fatisfied, both refpeding thy
Miniftry and Condud as a Minifter, e'er
they fign Letters recommendatory on thy
Behalf; nay, it is the indifpenfable Duty
of every Member, having a jufl: Caufe
of Objedlion, to oppofe thy Pretenfions to
Travel as a Minifter, with this Caution,
that he in a Brotherly and Gofpel Spirit
fhew the Caufe of his Objedions ; and
whether it may relate to thy Dodlrine or
Converfation, or both, let this Mind be in
thee, that it is defigned for the Good of the
whole, and with a View to prevent any
Uneafinefs
[65]
Uneafinefs to the Society, and not in any
Prejudice to thee, but for thine and the
Churches Good ; therefore guard againfl a
Spirit of Refentment, and keep in Love and
Charity with all thofe that may appear
againft thee, deliring above all, to be endu-
ed with an humble and forgiving Spirit;
put the bed Meaning on what thou haft
met with, that it was and is defign'd for
thy Good, with a View to fave both thine
and the Monthly Meeting's Credit, where
thou art a Member, making thy humble
Application in Spirit to God for true VVif-
dom, and the Spirit of a found Mind to
eondu6l thee in this Time of Trial, by.
Oppofition from fuch as may wifli both thee
and the Caufe of Religion right well in
general, keeping clofe to thy Gift, forbear^
ing to appear in the Miniftry, if thou feeleft
any Tincture of Sournefs or Refentment,
but wait in Silence until all that is purged
out and taken away, by the prevailing
Power of Love in Chrift jefus, that fo the
Miniftry of Reconciliation from him may
fill thy Mind ; and in this, as thou art kept
and preferved, thou wilt through Patience
overcome all that may oppole thee : Thus
wilt thou, by divine Aid, be able to turn
thy Water (which hath been afiiicfling) into
Wine, and thy Way will be opened, all
Objedions removed, and fome whom thou
may ft have look'd upon as Enemies, may
appear now thy beft Friends, who have
V/atch'd over thee for Good 3 and finding all
I their
[ 66 ]
their Ohjedlons anfwered, and Uneafinefles
concerning thee removed, by thy humble,
meek, and prudent Condudl, may with
both Freedom and Pleafure confent to iign
thy Credentials as a Minifter in Unity
with them ; tho' they may not all come in
at once, but fbme may receive fuch Im-
preffions, by contefting the Point, that it
will require Time to wear out ; but thy
Strength will increafe, and the Love of thy
Brethren grow iirong towards thee, for the
Work's Sake.
Thus by Faith, having through Patience
farmounted all thcfe Difficulties, thou wilt
find the Words of the Apoftle true, that
jill Thi?2gs Jldall work together for Gcod^ to
them that love and fear God. And thefe
Affliclions and Trials will add to thy Ipiri-
tual Improvement, and thou wilt grew in
the Root, and thy Experience will be much
enlarged, and great will be thy Comfort and
Peace. But fuppofe again, that thou meet-
eil with no Oppofition of this Kind, but
the Meeting, and every Member in it, are
pleas'd, and chearfully recommend thee as
a Minifter in Unity with them ; then it is
needful to confider, that thou haft in fome
good degree the Credit and Honour of that
Meeting repofed in thee, of which thou
onght'ft for both thy own Sake and theirs,
to be very circumfpedl and careful, know-
ing that if thou {hould*!! bring any Dif-
grace or Shame upon thyfelf, either in thy
Miniftry
[67]
MIniftry or Converfation, the Meeting that
have certified on thy Behalf, will hkewifc
fnfFer with thee, and come under Blame
for recommending thee as a Minifter,
finding that thou anfwereft not the Charac-
ter given concerning thee; and under this
State thy Return will bring both Sorrow
and Shame to thy Friends at home : For
the avoiding whereof, the next Chapter
containeih feme needful Cautions and Coun-
fel. I conclude this with P^u/*s Advice to
timothy : I charge thee therefore before God, 2 Tim. u.
and the Lord ycfus Chrift^ preach the Word^
be infant in Seajon, out of Seafon ; reprove^
rebuke, exhort with all Long - Juffering and
DoBrine : For the Time will come^ when
they will not endure found DoBrine, But
watch thou in all Things^ endure JlffliBio7is^
do the Work of an Evangelijl, make Jul I Proof
of thy Miniliry, This excellent Advice,
with that in the clofe of the fecond Chapter, = ^''^- "•
is worthy of our Notice and Confideration.
C H A P. VI.
Cautions againfl Pride and Exaltednefs, med-
ling in Matters, fpreading Reports, &c,
and a general Recommendation of li\jim\Y\iy
and Meeknefs in all "Things,
I Now fuppofe thee ready to take thy
Journey, in Unity with thy Brethren,
manifefted by a Certificate given thee for
that Purpofe. Thus leaving them in the
I 2 fweet
[ 68 ]
fweet Fellowfliip of the Gofpel, having their
Prayers for thy Prefervation and Succefs^ yet
not without great Fear, and it may be
Weeping, thou fetteft out, doubting how it
may anlwer; but thoa mayft perhaps be
well fatisfied for a few Meetings at thy fiift
fetting out in this great Humihty of Mindj
but thou muft then keep fo humble and
inward with the Lord in Spirit, as to wait
daily for the Renewings of both Wifdom
and Power from him ; and thus may thy
Mind be fupplied, every Meeting, with new
Life and Matter fuiting the States of the
People thou art amongft ; and this will be
to thy Comfort and Peace, and to their
Edification.
But if after thefe frefh Supplies that thou
daily art favoured with, thou ihould'ft grow
unmindful what thou really art, and begin
to think thyfelf in a better Capacity for the
Work than formerly, and tlie Efteem and ,
Favour fliewn thee by thy Friends, begins
to fwcll thy Mind above that humble and
depending Frame ; thou wilt find after fuch
a State of Mind prevails upon thee, that
Lcaiuicjs and Barren?tefs of Soul will enfue ;
snd if thou doft not bethink thyfelf feafona-
bly to return, but cndeavour'ft in thy own
Strength and Will to five thy Credit as a
Minifter, thou wilt lofe Ground tafter than
it was gfiined. Thus fome, after they have
begun Vv'cll, and gone on lo for fome Time,
having gained fome Experience, and a form
of
[ 69 ]
of found Words, but for want of keeping
humble and inward in Spirit with the Lord,
they have infenfibly gone from the Founda-
tion and Spring of living Miniftry, and
depended on Memory, former Experience,
and Openings, and not on the Infpiration of
the Spirit, which is the Root of all true Mini-
ftry, and what proceeds from it is always
new and acceptable. I fay, fuch have fallen
into Repetitions of the fame Things, without
a Newnefs of Virtue attending them therein,
and fo have become formal Minifters in the
Oldnefs of the Letter; and this Sort of
Preaching may take with fome, efpecially
thofe that are unfenfible of the Virtue of the
Spirit to reveal unto them the Things of the
Spirit of God. But notwithftanding thou
mayft have Favour and Credit with fuch as
a Preacher, and may be by thofe refpecfled
for a little Time, and regarded as fuch ; yet
the longer that thou goefl on in this Way,
the more thou wilt covet Honour and Pre-
eminence, yea, thou w^lt in Time be apt to
feek the Praife of Men more than of God,
and out of Humour, being difpleafed if thou
haft it not. But alas, this is poor Work ;
for by the Living in Religion thou wilt foon
be difcovered, and found out to be but an
empty, dry, and unfruitful Formalifi -, and
they that are Alive unto God, will fee thee
plainly to be fuch ; for the Lord's People,
who have a fpiritual Difcerning, can't belong
impofed upon, but they will find out, and
difcover the true Voice from the falfe, loving
the
l7o]
the fir/i, and thee for the Sake thereof; but
rcjedling the la/i, and the Authors thereof,
be they whoever they may : Therefore all
thy Contrivance, Fore-caft, and Skill, ufed
to the utmoft Advantage in thy own Time,
Will, and Strength, will prove but as a
broken Ciftern that can hold no Water, that
will ever afford Refrefhment to the People
of God, but will load and grieve them. To
avoid all which, it will be fafe to keep in an
humble Depcndance, endeavouring to keep
near the Lord, having him always before
our Eyes, that we may receive daily Ability
from him, and fpeak as we feel our Minds
moved by his divine Spirit 5 and whether it
be little or much that we have to fay, be
thankful that we are favoured with his Pre-
fence and Life in our Miniftry, not fo much
regarding what others may fay or judge con-
cerning us, as the Peace and Satisfaction that
we inwardly enjoy by the Word of Life, that
Life which is the Light of Men. Thou mayft
find thyfelf as this Day drawn forth and
greatly enlarged in thy Miniflry, but to
Morrow thou mayft be fhut up, barren and
poor, having but very little to fay, and that
but very brokenly, as with a ftammcring
Tongue, which may feem very uneafy to
thee fo to appear ; and under fuch a Con-
dition thou mayft be tempted to go beyond
thy Commiflion. This ought always to be
watch*d againft, for it is our fafcft and bed
Way, at all Times, to appear juft as we feel
Power and Strength in our Gifts, endeavour-
ing
[7^]
ing to keep our Minds in Patience, be it
how it will, knowing that the IVind Mows John lu.z,
where, when, as ftrong, and weak, as it
lifteth, and we can neither add or diminifh
ought from it ; but if in the Time of Weak-
nefs we endeavour to hide ourfelves by mul-
tiplying Words, we fhall difcover ftill more
Weaknels, and in this State Silence will be
much mote fafe than Preaching ; therefore
if thou haft but little to fay, fay but little ;
and if thou haft nothing to fay, be Jilent ;
for altho' thou mayft be judged as out of
thy Place in Travelling, having nothing to
preach, yet if any count this as a Fault to
be a(hamed of, it is to be confidered, that
this reputed Shame (for in reality it is thy
Credit) will fall more direcftly upon thyfelf^
in thy undertaking to preach without any
Authority for fo doing ; for by fuch an
Undertaking thou mayft fall unwares into
fuch Impertinences that may be a real Shame,
both to thyfelf and thy Brethren alfo, who
will hereby lliare deeply with thee, and the
Principle be reproached for thy Folly and
Forwardnefs in pretending to Inipiration,
when thou haft it not ; therefore, if at Times
thou art very poor, and has nothing to fay,
let not this tempt thee to go beyond thy
Line ; for this Poverty and Afflidion thou
art under, may by divine Purpofe be brought
upon thee, to prepare thy Mind to fpeak
more feelingly, and with moving Language
to others under the like Diftiefs, and Bar-
rennefs of Soul. Thus are the Minifters of
Chrift
[ 72 ]
Chrifl often, as it may be faid, baptized for
the Dead, viz» they are given to tafte of the
various and near Trials that Believers are
exercifed and proved by, and are likewife
made to tafte and feel of the infinite Mercy
of God, in Raifing them from Death to
Life, and from the Pov^er of Satan and
Darknefs, to partake of the Joys of Immor-
tality and eternal Life, brought to Light
again by the Gofpel.
And when a Minifter is thus prepared by
fpiritual Afilidion, occafioned by the with-
drawing of divine Virtue from his Mind, and
fuffered, as rnai^y good Men have been, to be
buffeted, tempted, tried, and fifted by Satan,
feeling Faith, Hope, and Patience almoft to
fail, yet in this State, by a fecret and hidden
Power, neither feen nor thought of, he is
preferved ; tho* for very Anguifh he may be
ready to cry out in the Bitternefs of his Soul,
Oh ! wretched Man that I am, to undertake
what 1 was not called to, and to run eer I
was fenty my Punifiment is greater than I
can bear. Thus it pieafes God to fuffer his
Minifters to be proved, that they may come
forth as VefTels fit for the Pvcfiner.
But then, when this Deliverer is pleafed
to reveal himfelf the Beloved of the Soul,
Oh ! what exceeding Joy, what exceeding
Soul Satisfaction then ? Oh! then a Minider
can from Experience cry out and fay, Come
talk and Jee that God is good, and worthy to
be
[ 73 ]
he waited upon. Oh ! come^ and Til tell you
what God has done for my Soul,
Now this Miniftry begets Faith, and raifes
the Hearers Minds up unto the lively Hope
of the Gofpel, the Power of Life, in the
Preaching of the Word as the Oracles of God,
and in that Ability we receive from him.
. Here we find fuch Kind of Trials and
Afflidions by Poverty and Barrennefs, to
turn both to ours and the Churches Good,
as we keep the Word of God's Patience;
and tho' in this State of Poverty and Weak-
nefs, fympathizing Friends are very few,
and fuch as will frown and look flrange
upon us, may be tnany ; yet neverthelefs,
luch whofe Eyes are upon us, fome for Evil,
and lome for Good, will fee that our Ex-
cellency is in him that has called us to this
Work, and not in onrfclves ; and in due
Time, as v/e keep in Humility and Patience,
waiting in our Gifts, we fliail be drawn
forth and enlarged to the Satisfaction of
them that hear us : The Scale may come to
be turned, and thou mayll now have more
to admire, and fpeik in thy Praife, than thoa
hadfl to frown upon thee ; for fuch is the
Ficklenefs and Uncertainty of many in this
Refpeut, that they will turn both with us,
and againft us in a (hon Time, fo that the
more Applaufe we have, the more fearful of
ourfelves we ought to be ; but if we {hou*d
be txaked in ourfelves, by Reafon that we
K are
t 74 ]
are admired by common Fame, we may,
e'er we are aware of it, bring ourfelves into
the fame Condition before defcribed, and
all that Friendfhip may be turned into Slight
and Enmity again : It is therefore very lafe
for us, at all Times to keep humble, and
inward with the Lord, waiting in our Gifts,
that we may truly know when to fpeak,
and what, as likewife when to be filent ;
herein we fljall grow from one Degree of
Experience to another, the Gofpel will be
purely preached, and the Work will profper
in our Hands.
Next, be careful of thy Ccnverfation ; for
it may lo happen, that where thou lodgeft,
either cafually or defignedly, thou mayft
hear of fome Differences fubfifting amongft
Friends, and others may likewife expofe
fome Vices, that fome of their Meeting may
be addided to, of which they will be pleaf-
ed thou takeft Notice ; but to all inch kind
ct Difcourfes thou oughteft to give no heed,
but rather with Decency fhun them, left
they fhould bias thy Mind in thy Miniftry,
and fo thou mayft preach by hiformation,
more than by Infpiration : This will hurt
thy Service and Reputation ; but if after thy
Service is over, thou meeteft with any Thing
of this Kind, and canft have Freedom to
advife, or be ferviceable in any Ilefpedt, to
fet right Things which are amifs, endeavour
to keep in the Way of thy Duty with all
Humility, and Patience, confidering impar-
tially
tially what is faid on all fides ; then meekly
periWade to Peace, rather than judge amongft
them, for it may be dangerous to judge on
e'uher fide, without a fair Hearing, left thou
Ihould give Strength to that which thou
ought'ft not ; but if we can in a Friendly
manner, bring contending Parties to an
Agreement, we Ihall do a good Work ; and
if we have any Advice to give to the Dif-
orderly and Vicious, let it be done in much
Love and Tendernefs, rather fliewing the
evil Confequences of fuch Pradices, by
Comparifon in other Men, (which may
fhew them their Folly) than to fall dired:ly
upon them. By this Way of Reproof, Na--
than brought David to pafs Sentence upon
himfelf ; and if thou art inftrumental to fet
their Folly in a clear Light, they may there-
by be prevailed on to Reform and Amend.
Thy prudent Condud: herein will much in-
creafe both thy Service, and Peace.
Next, be careful not to carry Tales and
Reports from one Place to another ; for fome
have, by fuch Work, made themfelves very
OfFenfive ; and confider, that Tale-bearing^^^*^^'^'
is forbidden under the haWy as of perni-
cious Confequence to the Peace of Society.
How bafe then muft it appear in a Gofpel
Minifter, to be guihy of this Folly ? There-
fore, if thou at any Time art informed of
ought concerning any Friend, that may in-
jure his Character, firft enquire, whether
fuch an Informer hath given fuch an one
K 2 Gofpel
[76]
Gofpel Order ; and whether, if he be called
upon to vouch what he has faid, he will
abide by that Report ? This will be a Means
to put a Step to Tale-bearing in a good
Degree: Yet for all this, if thou find'tl a
Concern to advife with fuch an one, and to
let him know what thou haft heard con-
cerning his, or her Condud:, minding that
Prohibition, Exod. xxiii. i. againft /iy/J i?^-
porfSy this will make it needful, if what thoa
haft heard be queftioned, as to its Truth,
for thee to make known thy Authors, to
make out what they have Reported ; and if
it appears on Examination falfe^ a Stop will
be put to ir, vv^hich otherwife, by the Me-
thod of, / W// tell thce^ but do thou keep it
to thjfcJf, mjght go far and wide : This
Condu(lt will be as a Fortrefs againft all fuch
bufy People, who love to fcan their Neigh-
bours Failings, while they overlook their
own 5 and thy Credit will grow with thy
Friends, and thy Gift will make Room for
thee, as thou art thus preferved : But if thou
fhould'ft have a Pleafure in, and encourage
fuch Tatling, thou wilt hurt thy Service,
and feed that Temper in others as well as in
thyfelf, which ought to be flain ; therefore
never hear nor receive any fuch Report,
but from fuch judicious Friends who have
laboured in a Spirit of Love to reclaim fuch
Offenders, and want thy Aid to lirengthen
their Endeavours already ufed for the Good
of fuch ; which is what in Juftice, accord-
ing to Gofpel Dodrine, we owe one to
another
[77]
another : This Kind of Behaviour will an-
fwer thy Charader, and thou wilt have
Praife for the fame.
In the Courfe of thy Travels thou wilC
have frequent Opportunities with Friends at
th^ir Meetings of Difcipline, wherein there
may happen lometimes warmDehates^ which
may, if thou art not very careful and re-
ferved, be a Snare to thee in thy Conduct,
and thou mayft be too eafily provoked to
fpeak on one fide or the other, before thoa
doft rightly know and underftand the Matter*
Now, altho* I wou*d have us be very careful
and cautious, how we meddle at fuch Times,
and in fuch Meetings, yet I would, that we
fliou'd exercife both our Ears and Under-
ftandings, waiting in our Gifts; perhaps we
may have a Service in reconciling Matters ia
Debate ; and if thou find*jft it thy Place to
fpeak, be upon the Enquiry^ to find yet more
clearly the right Thing that is contended for,
and let thy Words be delivered with great
Deference and Regard to both Parties, with
that decent Condefcenfion, Submiflion and
Sv/eetnefs, that is becoming thy Age and
Experience to treat thy Friends with.
If thou {hould'iT; likewife obferve a Dif-
ference in the Management of their Affairs,
refpeding their Difcipline in common, from
what it is in the Meeting whereof thou art
a Member, and from this mayft judge thy-
fclf able to fliew them a better Method,
which
[ 78 ]
which Method by Cuftom is become fami-
liar to thee, and if thou art forward to dic-
tate, by endeavouring to perfwade them to
alter their Method of ordering Matters, thou
mayft be look'd upon as a bujy Meddler in
what concerns thee not. But if in private
Converfation, fome better No ions of Ma-
nagement refpeding the making fuch Meet-
ings more ferviceable, to anfwer the good
End propofed by them for tbe Benefit of
Society, can be cuhivated in the Minds of
thofe concerned, and fo propagated by De-
grees, it might be of great Ufe ; but hafty
Revolutions and Changes in Forms of Dif-
cipline are of dangerous Confequence, and
ought never to be attempted, but upon
Confiderations well digefted ; for it may
offend fome, and unfettle others, by railing
Debates for and againft, which may caufe
great Heats if they be ftiff on both Sides, as
it may likely fo fall out, to the Breach of
Unity, and leffening Brotherly Love and
Charity one towards another.
I have obferved, that where a Monthly
or Quarterly Meeting have continued in the
Method recommended to them by fome
worthy Elders who are now gone, and left
this Practice as it were a Legacy to them,
fome have been very much opinionated
thereof, in Honour to the Founders of the
Method they may be in ; and we not know-
ing the Reafon inducing fuch worthy Elders
to this or that Way of Management, ought
to
[79 ]
to be very tender in judging about Things
of this Nature ; and it may not be fo mate-
rial, whether Things may be done this or
that Way, for the Good of the whole, fo
they be done in Charity and Love ; there-
fore let us in our Travels take Care, not
haftily to meddle and dip into thefe Affairs,
and fo do more Hurt than Good.
Now as to thy private Condu5i in all
Places where thou art with thy Friends : Be
very modeli and thankful for fuch Entertain-
ment as may be given thee j and tho' it may-
be but (in thy Elleem) poor and mean, yet
as thou haft it from a fincere, loving, hearty
and honeft Mind, according to the Ability
of the Giver, be content, thankful and
chearful with it j remembring who faid. He
that gives a Cup of cold Water to a Prophet^ in
the Name of a Prophet^ /Jjall have a Prophet's
Reward, And guard againft fpeaking dif-
refpeB fully in any other Place of that Enter-
tainment, (tho' mean) for that may be very
offcniive, and give great Uneafinefs, being
a Hurt to thyfelf more than thou mayfl be
aware of ; but in thefe Matters behave as
becomes thy Place and Service.
And in thy Converfation^ whether in pub-
lick, or more privately with thofe of a diffe-
rent Sex, be ftridly careful to avoid too
great Familiarities^ and every Thing which,
tho' innocent in itfelf, may give any juft
Occafion of Offence to fuch who may be
watching
[So]
watching over thy Conduct, either with a
good or evil Eye; that (o thou may ft not
jonly be preferved from Evil, but likewife
from every Appearance thereof ; and by a
prudent and inofFenfive Behaviour adorn the
Gofpel of God our Saviour, and ie an Ex^
ample to the EelieverSy not only in Word and
Dod^rine in publick, but likewife in private,
in Converfatiofi, in Charity^ in Spirit^ i?z
Faith^ and in Purity,
And if thou art unmarried, carefully guard
^gainft either making or receiving any Pro-
pofak to alter thy Condition haftily, and
without being well advifed, and feeing thy
V/ay clear therein j but finifh thy Journey
iirft, let the other reft till that is over, io
wilt thou avoid the Rifque of any Reproach
that might fall upon thee for any Milbeha-
viour in that Matter,
Take what Care thou canft, according to
thy Ability, not to make the Gofpel charge-
able to thy Friends, in going from one Place
to another, , neither be difficult to pleafe in
fuch Places, but always fhev/ thyfelf eafy and
contented v^^ith fuch Entertainment as can be
had ; fome Tempers, though ftrait handed
enough themfelves, are yet difficult to pleale,
and apt to find Fault, giving by fuch Con-
dudl Uneafincfj to their Friends ; but as*we
have no Views of Reward from our Hearers,
nor ought to defire any other than a little
Supply for the prefent Occafion, of what is
needful
[8i ]
needful to Eat and Drink, for which, let us
be thankfully contented, and not fliew any
Uneafinefs, if what is fet before us don't fo
well fuit our prefcnt Wants, but confider the
Ability of the Friends where we are, who
may exceed iheir common Way of Living
confiderably, the better to accommodate us :
A difcontented and murmuring Spirit hath
done Hurt, and given Occafion for fome to
fay. That the Dejign of Such in going Abroad
was to Eat and Diink, ?7iore than to Preach
the Gofpel ; a Refledion, I hope, every
Friend in his Travel will take Care to avoid,
and take all Occafions to prevent ; not for-
getting, that all the Malice the World and
the Devil have vented againfl the true
Miniflry amongft us, could never fix'the
Odium upon us juftly, of being Mercenary^
that is, fuch who ever look'd for Gifts, or
fought after Rewards ; a Leprofy afledting
all the Hireling Teachers in the World, of
what kind foever.
Dear Brethren^ let us maintain in our
Condudl that noble Way we have ever
walked in, that as v/e have freely received
our Miniftry from God by his Spirit, freely
to give to the People ; for a free Miniftry
will ftand, and be continued in the Church
to lateft Pofterity ; but the Hirelings will be
rejedted more and more, and come to nought
by degrees.
li Next,
[ 82 ]
Nextj where thou comeft, enquire if there
are any fick, either in Body or Mind
amongll them, and wait to know thy Place
and Freedom in thy Gift to vifit fuch ; but
in all fuch Vifits, let thy Words be few and
weighty, for if thou fhould*ft give Way
thyfelf to much Difcourle, or indulge it ia
thole thou vifiteft, it may hurt thy Service
to them, and render it void ; therefore re-
gard the Weight of thy Gift to open thy
Underflanding, that whether thou mayft be
opened in fome fhort Exhortations, or by
M/ay of Prayer, what thou haft, may be
from thy Gift, not then doubting, but thou
mayft be inftrumental of Good to them thou
fo vifiteft: But fome apprehend, that when
they are with the Sick, in either Body or
Mindj that they muft be preaching, pray-
ing, or dilcourftng, perhaps beyond due
Bounds, which fometimes have proved
rather a Bui then and Grief to the Afflidled
than a Comfort^
And if thou obferveft in any a Slacknefs,
or an undue Liberty taken, not fo agreeable
to their Profefiion, unto whom thou find'fl
thy Mind engiged to fpeak by Way oi Ad^
"oice or Caution^ let it be done in the Spirit
cf Meeknefs and Love, that if pofTible, thou
mayft reach the Witnefs in their Minds, that
what thou fay'ft is right. Thus having dif-
charged thy Duty as a Minifter, both in a
publick and private Capacity, (that is) I
mean in the Affemblies and private Families
where
[ 83 ]
where thy Lot has fallen, thou wilt return
with great Joy and Confolation, finding the
Words of the Royal Prophet fulfilled, He
that goeth forth and ijoeepeth^ bearijig precious
Seed, JJdall doubtlefs come again with Rejoicings ^^f' ^^'^^^^'
bringing his Sheaves with him.
CHAP. VII.
Advice to Minlfters in the State of young
Men, wherein Sef- conceit of themflves^
and too low Eflimation of others, may be apt
to raife the Mind above the low and bumble
State ^ wherein its Safety only is.
I Shall now confider our young Minijler
as grown to a confiderable Degree of
Knowledge and Experience in the Work,
and in Part to the State of a young Man that
is ftrong, in whom the Word dwells more
plentifully ; and thy Reputation as a Mini-
fler growing with thy Gift, thou mayft now
be look'd upon in thy own Meeting as a
Member of fome weight, to whom thy Bre-
thren pay a confiderable Regard ; in which
State new Trials and Temptations may arife,
and thou mayft be in as much Danger (in
fundry Particulars) if not more, to mifs thy
Way, than when lefs look'd upon, both by
thyfelf and others. Now thy Friends may
apply to thee for Advice and Counfel undtr
their Difficulties, and if thou fliould'ft
L 2 happen
[ 84 ]
happen to miftake, and advlfe wrons^, thou
wilt be blamed, and the Hurt fiiftained by
following thy Counfel will be laid upon thee
as an Excufe to themfclves, thus : If fuch
an one bad fiot advi/ed me to it, I fhoud not
have done it 3 and this may bi ing fome Unea-
finefs upon thee, very hard to bear without
Refentment, and endeavouring to vindicate
thy Advice given as fuitable at that Time,
laying the Blame (if any) on the Mifmanage-
ment of the Perfon advifed : Sometimes a
fmall Spark of Contention thus kindled, ha.h
rifen to a Flame: To avoid which, be very
cautious in giving Advice in difficult Cafes,
without very good Grounds for what thou
fayfl:, and adviie the Parties to confult thofe
of greater Experience and Judgment, to
excufe thy meddling therein ; lo wilt thou
be free frpm Blame on all Hands; but yet
I wou'd not have thee peremptorily torefufe
hearing the Complaints of Perlons under
Trouble, that may really want Advice and
Help; but when thou haft heard, confider
if their Trouble doth arife from any Mif-
underftandingon any Account, and whether
fome Way can't be found out for their
Relief, by Mediation and Perfvvafion of
Perfons not concerned in the Matters under
Difpute. Thus mayft thou be inftrumental
in making Peace, without dipping into the
Matter, which is the chief Caufe of Com-
plaint, and this will add to thy Credit as an
ufeful Member in the Body.
Next,
[ 8s ]
Next, thou mayft now appear with more
Boldnejs in thy Miniftry, which if not duly
tempered with Modefty, Humility, Wifdom
and Meeknefs, may render thee unpleafant
to the Ears of them that hear thee, and more
efpecially, if thy Dodrine fliould favour
more of the Man than it did in Time paft,
when thou appeared in the Innocency and
Infancy of the Miniftry : And this Condudt
may raife up fundry of the Meeting to watch
over thee, with a View to have fomething
to lay hold of to thy Prejudice, yet intend-
ing (at leaft pretending) thy Good, to in-
ftrud: thee better, and humble thee j and
then if thou doft miftake or mifapply any
Scripture, or drop any thing that may not
feem fafe to be flood by in thy Preaching,
it may be handed about (if thou art high
and uneafy at Reproof) from one to another
privately, until it comes to thy Knowledge,
and thou mayft then find it hard to live
under it (more efpecially) if thou art of a
vindidive and high Spirit, not able to bear
Contradidtion and Reproof, as becomes a
Minifter of Chrift ; it will therefore be
prudent to confider thy natural Temper and
Difpofition of Mind, endeavouring to keep
thyfelf under Subjedtion to the mortifying
Power of the Crols, that thy Dodrine may
be adorned with Meeknefs, and alfo feafoned
wiih Gufpel Salt : In this State judicious
Friends will love and vindicate thy Service ;
but if thou giveft wiy to thy own Spirit,
and in the Heat thereof attempteft to mini-
fter.
[ 86 ]
fter, and vindicate thyfelf over the Heads
of thy offended Friends, this w^ill render
thy Dodlrine unpleafant to the Ear, and
bring thee under more Dilgrace -, and find-
ing thyfelf under a flight, and in fome
degree of Contempt with and among thy
Brethren, take Care that thou dofl not
unawares (in the Heat and Height of thy
own Spirit, which is not able to bear evil
Report) begin to chide, and think to threaten
them into a better Temper, by blaming
their Condadt in thy Pi caching as direcSlyas
the Cafe will bear. Affure thyfelf, that this
Condudl and Behaviour will be a diredt Way
to turn all their Hearts againft thee as one
Man. Thus, inflead of gaining on them,
and removing the Caufe of Offence, it will
be more eftablifhed, and grow much more
difficult to remove for the future, being thus
fixed by thy imprudent Condudl. Some I
have in my Time known, from fo fmall a
Beginning as is before defcribed, grow (in
Bitternefs and Envy, occafioned by fpiritual
Pride, and Self-conceit) to fuch a Head, as
have in Time rendred them (who in their
Beginning were efleemed as Minifters) alto-
gether ufelefs, and they have degenerated by
degrees fo far, as to become Enemies to the
Society, and have left it under great Preju-
dices, in Bitternefs doing all their degenerate
Minds might didate, to render the Society
contemptible, and its Principles odious 5
which is a dreadful Thing to happen to any
one that hath ever had a Part of this divh?e
Min/lry j
t 87 ]
Miniftry ; it Is therefore highly needful for
us, to learn to know our [elves ^ and to keep in
it daily, and not to forget and lofe the Senfe
of the Imperfedions and Defeds in the na-
tural Conftitution of our own Minds ; and
if we find ourfelves of an imperious, infult-
ing, proud Temper, by Nature, let us mind,
that Pride goes before DeJlruBioriy and an
haughty (unforgiving) Spirit before a Fall ;
uneafy at Affronts, and not able to endure
evil Reports, without ufing Endeavours to
vindicate our Honour at all Events, not
confidering what our great Mafter fufFered
for us, to bring us to the Knowledge of
himfelf. I fay, if we by Nature are fo in-
clined as above, how carefully ought we to
keep a Watch againfl that weak Part we fee
in ourfelves, praying with Sincerity, that
our Minds may be daily improved by a
divine Cultivation through the Spirit, that
that great Change may be known upon us,
fpoken of by the Prophet Ifaiah : T'he Wolf ir*. xi. i.
fhall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard
fldall lie down with the Kid ; and the Calf,
and the young Lion, and the Failing together^
and a little Child fiall lead them. This is
that Difpofition and Subjeftion of Mind
that we ought to wait daily to be kept under,
by the Spirit, viz. If we by Nature are like
the Wolf, Leopard or Lion, at any Time,
iand that Nature appears in us, this by the
meek Spirit of Jefus ought to be always
kept under Subjedion and Government ;
for tho' we may have known our natural
Tempers
[ 88 ]
Tempers fubdued in a great degree, at our
firrt fetting out in the Miniftry, by the
Crofs and Power of Chrifl, yet if there be
not a daily abiding under that Power, our
natural Inclinations and Tempers may pre-
vail again to our Hurt, and the blefled Effe<5t
ot that Subjedion to the Spirit, fpoken of
by the Prophet, we (hall not experience, 'uiz.
ITa. zi. J. Jhey [hall not hurt, nor defiroy in all my
holy Mountain, for the Earth (hall be full
of the Knowledge of t}:>e Lord^ as the Water i
cover the Sea, It is therefore needful to
watch daily againfl every thing in ourfelves
that will hurt our Service, and render our
Miniftry unprofitable, by letting in any
Refentment or Heart-burning againft any
Friend, for a real or fuppofed Affront, that
may have been put upon us by them ; con-
fidering, that nothing can hurt us that is
either faid or reported, tho' with ever fo ill
a Defign againft us, if we are in our Places,
and innocent of the Things reported. I fay,
fuch Things can't be hurtful to us, unlefs
we make them fo to ourfelves by undue
Refentment, being influenced thereby to
preach and entertain an Affembly with our
private Refentment, endeavouring to revenge
the fuppofed Injuftice done us, in this publick
manner 5 not confidering the Force of our
Mat. V. 23, Saviour's Caution in this Cafe: therefore
if thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, and there
remembrell that thy Brother hath ought againft
thee ; leave there thy Gift before the Altar
find go thy Wa)\ Jirfl be reconciled to thy
Brother,
[ 89 ]
Brother^ and then come and offer thy Gift,
The Sum of which, to our Furpoie is this,
that we undertake not the Work of the
Miniftry under the Influence of any Refent-
ment, or private Pique in our Minds againft
any Brother, but that the lole Tvlotive and
Influence of our Miniffry ought to be our
Love to God, and the Souls of Men ; and
by divine Infpirarion to labour therein with
Diligence and Sincerity to promote Faith in
the Earth, by flirring up their Minds to hve
a pious and godly Life : And as our Stand-
ing and Labour is in this Love, we need not
fear but our Service will be both honourable
and acceptable where we live : And in this
Temper of Mind we fhall be capable to
receive Inflrudtion (and not tliink ouifclves
above it, which is a very dangerous State)
and if Reproof fhou'd be given us in a
wrong Mind, we being in a right one, may
reap Good by what is not fo intended for us.
In this Temper of Mind we fliall fee our
Water turned into Wine, and all our Bitters
made fweet to us ; and as before obferved,
all Things will work together for our Good,
becaufe our Standing is in the Love and
Fear of God, and in it we labour by Infpi-
ration, as AmbaflTidors of Chrifl, to make
full Proof of our Minifi:ry for the Con-
vincing of Gainfayers, that they may be
reconciled unto God, and to build up the
Believers in that mofl: holy Faith, the Fruit
whereof is Righteoufnefs and godly Living.
M Eat
[ 90 ]
But if thou art of a meek, modeft and
baflifu I Temper, that is backward, not will-
ing to put thyfelf forward, but by a mean
and low Elleem that thou enteitaineft of
thy own Gift and Service, thou putteft more
Value on every Body's Performance than thy
own, this will (if not tempered with a de-
gree of Ardency to do thy Day's Work in
the Day Time) do thee much Hurt, and
very much hinder thy Improvement and
Growth in thy Gift; for which Reafon, it
is really needful to have a good Value for
the Gift received, (mark for the G//?, not
for ouifelves) but then this good Liking that
we have of cur Gifts and Services, ought to
be tempered vnih Judgment and Modefty,
other wife it may lead to Self-conceit and
Imprudence, which are bad Ingredients in
the Minds of Preachers, and will be apt to
render them both contemptible and trouble-
fome in their ConducS.
But feme are always repining, and think-
ing meanly of their Gifts and Services, which
is a wrong Mind ; and where it prevails,
will do Hurt, and hinder our Improvement
and Growth : We ought to confider, that
every Gift of God is good, and ought to be
regarded as fuch ; and he or flie that hath
the fmallefl and leaft Degree of a Gift in
the Miniftry, as they wait in it, and mind
to keep to it, and neither on the one hand
go before it, nor on the other negiedt it,
but ca:refu]ly mind the Openings of it, and
follow
[9' ]
follow Its Leadings, they will in due Time,
by Expeiience find an Enlargement both of
Matter and fpiritual Underftanding, which
will give them great Encouragement to go
on. I have known fundry fuch become
able Minifters, and of very great Service in
the Church ; and I have known others, as
well as myfelf, that have begun very poor,
and feemed contemptible and m.ean in the
Eyes of their Friends, nay, have been ad-
vifed to defiji^ as not being called to that
Work, nor qualified for fuch Service ;
which is very wounding and difcouraging :
in which Time iome kind fy m pa thing ^y^///-
la or Frifcilla have been concerned to heal
the Wound, by inftruding more perfedly in
the Way of the Mmiftry, by giving proper
Advice and Encouragement to go on in the
Work, under the Government of the divine
Spirit, with a meek and humble Condudl ;
advifing on the one hand, not to take too
much Notice of what others may fay in dif-
praife of thy Service, but endeavouring to
remove their Objeclions by a prudent Beha-
viour ; nor on the other, too much regard-
ing what may be fald in Commendation
thereof : for without exercifing Judgment,
the former may caft down too much, and
the latter may exalt the Mind above its Place.
How fafe therefore is it to keep in our
Gifrs, under the Power and Influence of
divine Love, which will take all Things in
good Part, whether it be Praife or Difpraife,
M 2 and
[ 92 ]
and not be moved by either out of our
Place. Thus will Malice be overcome by
Love, and we (hM receive Advantage, even
Irom them that intend us none ; being like-
wife guarded againft that Poifon which Flat-
tery and Commendation carries with it to
weak Minds, for fome can't bear to be com-
mended, even when they deferve it, without
receiving Hurt by it, taking that Honour to
themfelves which is only due to their Gifts:
And being dilgafted if they have not Com-
mendation and Praife, fuppofing themfelves
injured wiihout it, and rather than not have
it, they will feem by a kind of Enquiry,
to beg it, and endeaycur by either finding
Fault with, or commending their Service,
to draw Praife from others. Whoever fall
into this Pradllce, fliew great Weaknefs ;
and it is a plain Indication, fuch are not in
the Simplicity of the Gofpel ; for whoever
abide in that, feek not themfelves nor their
own Honour, but the chief Thing they
have in View is the Honour of God, and
the Good of all Men, that their Miniilry
may bring Honour to him that has called us
to Glory and Virtue.
There are yet fome Things further to be
remarked, relating to our Conduct in our
oivn Families, Meetings, and Neighbourhood^
both in a religious and civil Capacity, which
fi:a!I be the Subjedl of the next Chapter.
CHAP.
[93 ]
CHAP. viir.
Mifccllaneous Advices to Marriage, Trade,
and an unblameable Condudt.
W'"E will confider our Minifter now as
one inclining to Marriage, and to
fettle and have a Family, with Bufinefs
and Trade in the World ; in which State of
Life there are many Dangers and Snares,
which we ought to guard againft, and care-
fully mind our Condud: therein ; and that
I may be the more intelligible, I (hall treat
on the whole under thefe four Heads fol-
lowing.
I. Refpefting thy Courtjhip and Mar^
riage^ if yet unmarried.
2d. Thy Condudl in thy own Family^
3d. Thy Condudl amongft thy Neigh-
hours in Trade, Commerce^ &c.
4th. Thy Condudl in thy own Meeting,
both as a Minijier and Elder.
Firji then, In thy Courtflnp or being
Courted, well confider the Objedl of thy
Affedions, let not thy Mind out after what
he or (he hath, but rather regard what they
are.
[ 94 ]
are, and how qualified both in Nature
and Religion : A good natural Temper in
both Sexes being much preferable to Wealth,
and more efpecially, when 'tis cultivated
and made better by Religion.
Now this being a Matter of great Confe-
quence, requires a ferious Thought, and
clofe Examination in our own Minds, that
we may not be deceived by any falfe Glofs,
Report or Appearance y but thou fhould'ft
narrowly examine the moving Caufe of thy
Inclinations, that fo thou mayft with Safety
and Caution begin thy Suit, or accept fuch
an Offer, if a Virgiii, Thus, when thy
Mind is fix*d, and thou art refolved to pro-
ceed, begin where thou oughteft, and be
a good Example, by firft advifing with fuch
as may be thy true and hearty Friends, be-
fore thou makeft any Off^r, or receiveft one,
fo as to join in with any Propofal on that
Account, and if they agree with thee, this
will add to thy Satisfacflion ; but if by
Reafons and good Arguments they endeavour
to diffuade thee, be not above Advice in this
(or any other Affair) but give Ear to good
Counfel ; but if no Objedion arifes, then
apply thyfelf for Confent to Parents or
Guardians, before any Propofal is made to
the Objtd: of thy Choice ; and having thus
paved thy Way, thy Work will be much
eafier afterward : then proceed deliberately,
that thou mayft give no juft Caufe of
Offence in thy Condufl, but that thy Mar-
riage
[ 95 ]
riage may be compleated, with a good Re-
putation both to thy own, and Friends Sa-
tisfadion, and this will add to thy Credit as
a Minifter : But when this is over, and thou
art married, thou muft expedt new Exer-
cifes, under which thy Faith and Patience
may be clofely proved.
Secondly, Therefore look well to thy Con-
duct in thy ow?i Family, that thou mayfl:
keep all Things fweet and honourable there-
in : Many are the Temptations we are in
danger to receive Hurt by, fuch as afpiring
too high in our Living, aiming to have all
other Matters fuiting thereto, viz. our Fur-
niture for our Houfes, Cloaths, &c, which
if above our Ability to fupport, will bring
upon us a Train of Inconveniencies, not
eafily to be furmounted. And fuch who are
of low Circumftances, who have travelled in
the Miniftry, or may travel, feeing fo many
various Ways of Living, may receive Hurt,
if they do not carefully confider their own
Circumdances and Ability ; fuch fliould not
mind high Things, but being fubjedl to their
own low Eftate, fliould content themfelves
to live and appear according as they can af-
ford, not endeavouring to live above their
Ability, becaufe ihey will come as near in
Imitation as they can to fuch who are above
them ; hut rather let our Income be the Rule
and Government of our Expences in living ^
for if our Expence go beyond our Income,
we fliall foon be hurt 5 but if within, we
are
[ 96 ]
are fafe : And altho' this parfimonious Way
of Living ma}^ by fuch as know not our
Eftate, be blamed, and we may be efteem-
ed too near, and clofe 5 yet as we take Care
to keep a Confcience juftly void of Offence
both towards God and Men, we are fafe fo
far. And thofe who are favoured with
better Circumilances in this World, (hould
not live in Pride and Exaltation, but walk
in Humility and Godly Fear, and let their
Moderation in Eating and Drinking, in
Furniture and Apparel, and in all other Re-
fpecSs, be known unto all Men ; and what
Superfluity they have, above what may be
fufficient for themfelves and Families, to be-
llow in doing Good to all, but efpecially to
the HouPdGid of Faith ; and by thus ufing
the Bieffings of Piovidence, they will be as
Lights in the World, or as a City Jet upon a
Hi/lj which cannot be hid, but will (hine
forth to the Praife of our great Mafler, and
they at laft be entitled to the blefTed Sen-
tence, or Invitation of thofe who have Jed
the Hungry, clothed the Naked, and mjited
the Prifoner, which is, Enter into the 'Joy
of thy Lord, to dwell in his Prejence for ever.
Next, if thou haft Children, endeavour
to train them up in the Nurture and Admo-
nition of the Lord, and in a plain, exemplary
Drefs, dilcouraging in them every Thing,
both in their Drels and Dilcourfe, that ap-
pears inconfiftent with that Plainnefs which
a Miniflefs Children ought to appear in,
that
[97]
that they may be exemplary to others, en-
deavouring early to inculcate in their Minds
fuch Principles of Religion and Truth, as
frequently are held foith in the Huly Scrip-
tures, which as loon as they are caj^ablc to
read, accuftom them to, and endeavour to
make them take Plealure therein, by explain-
ing fuch Portions thereof as may fuit their
Capacities, that as they advance in Age, they
may in Knowledge : And this is the Method
to train tip a Child in the Way that be [Jdould
walk. But Education^ though with the
ftrideft Care and Tendernels adminiftred,
will not aniwer what fome exptd; from it,
as to the grounding of Youth in true Religion
and faving Faith j for noming fliort of the
Work of Grace in the Heart, the ?2ew Birth^
and the waflnng of Kcgeneration by \\\^Word^
can make a lound and righc Chriflian, and
a true Minljler : We do not come to thefe
Attainments, by a natu al Inheritance of
Birth-right from, our Pa-ents, but by a fpi-
ritual Relation ; foi we mui} W born again^
before we can lee the Kmgdom of God :
And the explaining and opening thefe divine
Truths to them, as they are cap-^ble to receive
and underftand the fame, will be the befi:
Part of their Education, and may lUnd for
a Witnefs of our Care againft their Folly,
when we are gone ; for which Cau^e it be-
hoves us, that we encourage in them every
Appearance of Virtue, and dilcourage every
Vice which human Nature is liable to: Add
to this, a religious Care over thy Servants
N next
[ 98 ]
nextto thy Children, that they may, by thy
good Advice and Exaoiple in thy Family,
be improved in Virtue ; and be a good Ex-
ample both to thy Family, and others alfo,
in diligently attending religious Meetings'^
with as many of them as thou can ft with
Conveniency take with thee ; thus wilt thou
be exemplary to the reft of the Meeting.
It mav be thy Lot to be expofed to Suf-*
ferijigs for the Teftimony of a good Con-
fciei)ce, which thou oughi*ft to be very
careful to maintain for thy own Peace,
{landing faithful therein, not at all doubting
that a Blefling will attend thee, if thou art
upright. And if thou art imprifoned for the
fame, this may prove a dole Trial both to
thee and thy Wife ; and for this Reafon,
if ftie is uneafy, and hath not Faith and
Courage to ftand fuch a Shock, give her all
the Encouragement thou art capable of, left
through Weaknefs flie be prevailed upon, by
any indiredl Compliance with thy Adverfary,
to make the Matter up, which will be a
Hurt to thy Miniftry, and an evil Example
to thy Biethren 5 both which ought with a
prudent and due Care to be guarded againft.
Add to this., thy charitable Difpofition in
ContribuWig to the Poor, and other public k
Services m the Society, with thy Brethren ;
in which thou ought'ft to be as good an Ex-
ample as thy Ability will admit, being rather
above than under, endeavouring to fave it
another
[99]
another way in thy Expences; for although
we encourage Charity and a publick Spirit
by Words to others, yet if we do not con-
firm them by our Example, they will be of
little Force. And though I have recom-
mended a clofe and parlimonious Way of
Living, prudently conducted, yet I would
have thee, in thy Adminiflrings to the
Poor, appear generous and noble, thy Abi-
lity confideredj and this will add Authority
to'thy Gift.
But perhaps the World may frown upoa
thee, and thou may ft find Things run crcfs-y
this may much hinder thy Generofity in Ads
of Charity, and by this thy Mind may be
much diftreffcd j and unlefs thou art very
careful in keeping thy Heart clofe to thy
Gift:, being inward with the Lord, praying
that thy Faith and Patience fail not, thou
wilt meet with fome Difcouragement ; bat
if thou remaineft faithful, thou wilt find
this will prepare and fit thy Mind to fpeak
more feelingly to others in the like State;
although it is very hard to behave under fuch
Trials as becomes a Minifter, without a clofe
Attending on our Gifts in Meeknels and Fear.
Let us therefore confider, that fuch Trials
are by the Kindnefs of Providence lomerimes
fuffer'd to come upon us for our Good, (to
prepare us to fpeak to others with a better
Effed) and to prove our Faith and Patience,
as it is v/ritten, Behold I kave refined thee,
but not with Silver : I have chofen thee in the ^l', ^ ^'' '
N 2 Furjiace
[ 100 ]
Furndc'e of JJfli^ion, This Diftrefs may
wear ofF, and Things in a (hort Time may
aflbme another Face : Then beware of be-
ing exalted', for as Afflidion and Poverty,
without Faith and Patience, can't be borne
without receiving Hurt j fo Profperity, with-
out Humility in a fteady Attention upon
God in our Gifts, will have the like Effect
upon us. This brings me to the third
Head, relating to thy Condudl amongft thy
Neighbours in Trade and Commerce.
Trade is fometimes very dangerous, and
npt to deceive the Mind, by influencing it
with Hopes of more Gain, to launch out be-
yond our Strength and Capacity 5 I there-
fore have ever found it moft fafe, to bound
my Exte?it in Trade by my Stock, and 2.% that
increafed, the other might with much more
Safety. Thus I carefully avoided going be-
yond my Strength, which would render it
impoffible for me to keep my Word and
PrG7?iife in Payments 5 for I faw this brought
me under fuch a Neceffity, that I could not
buy, neither fell fo well, but fometimes mufl
raife Money (by felling at a low Rate, under
the Market) or elfe hurt my Credit in Pay-
ments; I therefore took this Method : when-
foever I contraded for a Parcel of Goods^
firft to confider what Pay I could make before
I 772ade an Agreement, and then bought as
cheap as I could, for fuch Credit as we could
agree upon ; and when it fo happened, (as
fometimes it did) that I found, without bor-
rowing
[lO,]
rowing I could not pay as I promifed, (which
is the Life of Trade) then a little before the
Day came, I went and told my Dealer how
it was with me, yet neverthelefs, if Neceflity
caird for the Money, I would provide it
by the Time, but hoping by fuch a Day I
could make Payment of my own Strength,
if he could flay fo long. And by this Con-
dudl, I found a Readinefs in all my Dealers
to favour me as defired, if no great Neceflity
did prevent it. And thus by degrees I in^
creafed both my Stock and Trade, proceed-
ing in it both with Repute and Honour -, and
on this Account I became more taken Notice
of, and my Company by fome more defired,
which I foon found would grow upon me
to my Hurt, if a Stop were not put to it ;
and above all, I found it very dangerous to
meddle with /irong Liquors of any kind, but
in a very moderate way, efpecially Drams^
which have been very hurtful to the Health
of feveral. I thus endeavoured to fleer my
Courfe as inofFenfively as I could in Trade
and Commerce, by keeping my Word and
Promife in Payments, which added much
to my Credit.
Lafllyy In thy own Meeting be a good
Example to attend in Seafon, at the Hour
appointed, both on Firft and Week Days,
with as many of thy Family as can be
fpared ; and when there, do not attempt
either to preach or pray without fome degree
of divine Love, begot by the Spirit, to in-
fpire
fl02]
fpire thee to It ; for by the Word of Life
we muft be qualified, before wc can either
preach or pray to Advantage. Some think,
through a miftakcn Judgment, that they
muft be doing fomeihir.g every Meeting,
(like the Preachers of the Letter^ who muft
either be finging, preaching or praying all
the Time) and by fuch a Condud they lofe
their Intereft and Place in the Hearts of
Friends by too long and too frequent Appear-
ing in both Preaching and Prayer: For the
avoiding of which, keep clofe to thy Gift,
intently waiting to know thy Place, both
when to fpeak and when to be filent ; and
when thou fpeakefl, begin under a Senfe of
divine Influence, whether it be in Preaching
or Praying ; and without it, do not either
preach or pray ; for Silent Meetings^ tho' a
Wonder to the carnal and worldly Profeflbrs,
are of great Advantage to the truly Spiritu-
ally-minded; and as thou beginneft with
the Spirit, keep to it in thy going on, and
conclude in it, and this will preferve thee
from tiring thy Brethren, and caufing them
to wifli for thy Silence: And thus as thou
beginneft and goeft on, in the Openings of
divine Life, thy Service as a Minifter in thy
own Meeting, will be always new and liv-
ing; thus wilt thou engage the Attention
of thy Hearers to what thou haft to declare,
all which will tend to the Improvement of
thyfelf, and Edification of thy Brethren.
Add
[ I03]
Add to this, a prudent ConducS in Meet-
ings of Bufinefs or Difcipline^ and watch
againft thy own Spirit and Temper, and by
no means let them arife under Colour of Zeal
for the Caufe, that thou mayft not luft after
Power and Rule. In fome, fuch a Mind
prevails, that they are not eafy without they
can rule and over-rule their Brethren : But
if thou keepeft thy Place in thy Gift, thou
wilt take thy Friends along with thee, that
you may go hand in hand in the Work,
carefully guarding againft all felfifh and
private Views, from Refentment taken a-
gainft a Bi other or Sifter for any fuppofed
Offence, either againft thyfelfor any of thy
Fiiends; the falling into any little Miftake
of this kind, will have a Train of other
Inconveniencies to attend it, fuch as making
Parties, and falling into Divifions, one
Party againft another, and op[5o(ing one the
other, to the great Hurt of the Society :
Bat let us with Diligence watch againft, and
difcourage both in ourfelve^ and alfo among
the Brethren, every Appearance of both
Party-taking and P arty-maki^tg^ and in all
our Views and Endeavours, lincerely labour
to promote JJnity and Peace ; for it rarely
happens, when fuch Ruptures fall out in
Monthly ov ^larterly Meetings, but the ftrong
and zealous Sticklers on either Side receive
much Hurt by taking Offence, which in
a more particular manner hurts Mmifters,
and makes their Work much more difficult,
if it does not wholly lay wafte and fet their
Service
[io4]
Service afide ; therefore they, in an efpecial
manner, ought to be Mediators, by endea-
vouring to bring both Parties to an Agree-
ment if poffible. But I do not mean by this,
that the Authority of the Difcipline fliould
be broke in upon by unruly and diforderly
Spirits^ who are unwilling to fubmit to the
Rules and wholfome Dodtrines of the So^
ciety : And where Difcipline is managed
with a Bias of Opinion towards this or that
Party, or any one aims to (hew Favour a-
gainft Truth and Juftice, in this or that
Cafe, a Minifter ought to exert him/elf^ im-
partially aiming at the juft and right Thing,
without refpedl to either Perfon or Party j
for no other kind of Conduct will bear the
Light ; but this will ftand the Teft, and the
more 'tis examined, it will appear the bright-
er j therefore the Wifdom of our Difcipline
appears in its Moderation, and Juftnefs in
its Proceedings, by admitting of Appeals to
re-examine all Cafes, from the lowed to our
lafl Refort of Judgment ; which is provided
as a Remedy againft hafty and rafh Judging,
without duly examining into the Truth and
Equity of what they give Judgment in.
I have enlarged, as feme may apprehend;
too much on feme Heads in this Treatife,
which is fweird under my Pen more than I
expelled 5 but I could not exprefs my Expe-
rience intelligibly to my own Undcrllanding
in fewer Words, for which Reafon, I hope
my Readers will caft a favourable Eye upon
it, not being a Work defigned for CrilickSy
or
[<05]
or fuch who are bringing all they read,
within the narrow Bounds of their carnal
Reajoning^ and their natural Comprehenfion^
and will not admit what is not agreeable to
their Thoughts, to be any other than Fitlion
^nd efithufiaflick Whim, — I fhall now clofe
thus : That if we who are concerned as
Miniflers^ conducft ourfelves as is before ad-
vifed, we (hall come up pretty near to the
Pattern the holy Apoflle has given us ia
2 Cor, Chap. vi. 3, 4,5,6,7, 8, 9, 10. Giving
no Offence in any Thifig, that the Mini/try be
not blamed : But in all Things (or in every
Condition of Life) approving ourfelves as the
Minifters of God^ in much Patience in ylfflic-
tionSy in Neceffities^ in Diflreffes, in Stripes^
in Imprifonments, in 'Tumults, in Labours^
in Watchings^ in Fallings ; by Furenefs^ by
Knowledge^ by Lo72g^fufferi?2g, by Kind?2efs^
by the Holy Ghofi^ by Love unfeigned, by the
Word of Truth, by the Power of God^ by the
Armour of Right eoifnejs, on the right Hand
and on the left ; by Honour and Difljonour, by
evil Report and good Report : As Deceivers
a?id yet true ; as unkmnjojiy and yet well known ^
as dyings and behold we live-, as challened^
and not killed \ as forrowful, yet always re-
joycing ; as poor, yet making many rich ; as
having nothing, and yet popffing all Things.
O
[io6]
A fi^ort View of that great and fokmn Duty
^/PRAYER.
WHEN we pray in the Publick
/jJfefjiblieSy or in private Families of
the Lord's People, v/e ought carefully to
guard againft all Impertinence of Expreffion,
and indecency of Sounds or Deportment ; to
prevent all which, coniider well the Frame
of thy Heart, that thou art in a meek and
quiet Difpofition, being calm in thy Mindj
this will keep thee, that the Heat of thy
own Spirit, in a midaken blind Zeal, hurry
thee not too faft, without a right Underftand-
ing of the Ability received by the Spirit of
Player y for the fame Spirit which afiifteth
us in the Mint'iiry^ will llkewife in Prayer j
v/ithout the Help of which, we can perform
neither as we ought. But I have obferved
feme, by a Tranfport of Zeal (rather Paflion)
go into a Flow of Words, without a righc
Underftanding either of their ov/n Spirits or
of the Spirit of Prayer, but in a confufed
manner direfling their Matter to the People
in a way of Preaching, and then to the Al-
mighty in a way of Prayer^ and then return-
ing again to the People, v/hich hath made
it very tirefome, and could feive no other
End than to expofc the Parties concerned to
Pity or Contempt, and bring Reproach on
the Principle they profefs. Such Condud:
j^lainly demonftrates, that there is v/ant of
both
[ lo;]
both the Spirit and Ufiderjianding, (o eflential
to the Performance of this folemn Duy.
Our bleffed Saviour in Mathcw vi. having
fiift fet the falfe and fi(5titious Prayer in a
true Light, teaches his Diiciples their Duty
herein, Verfe 9. laying, After this manner
therefore pray ye -, and then lays down that
moft beautiful and comprehenfive Prayer.
But with how little Thought, Confideration
or Serioufnefs, is it frequently repeated by
fundry that ufe ir ? I am fearful it is little
better in many, than taking the Lord's Name
in vain. It thtrefore ought to be ferioufly
confider'd by all, that in ufing that, or any
other Prayer, they are in fome Degree qua-
lified by the Spirit fo to do, whether it be in
publick or in private ; for publick Prayer,
fcmetimes is adapted to befeech the Divine
Majefty to corfirm by his Word the various
Branches of Dodrine that may have been
before delivered, and to ftrengthen that Faith
begot by the Gofpel preached, and to increafe
Vigour in the pure Mind flirred up in the
Htarers, by the Infpiration of the divine
Word. The royal Pfalmijl prayed the Lord,
PfaL li. 15. faving, O Lord, open thou my
Lips, and 7ny Mouth fl:all JJ:ew forth thy
Praife, And when our Lips are thus opened,
this is the right Qiialification to true Prayer ;
and it will edify and comfort the Hearers
who are alive to God, fo rhat the Right-
minded will all fay AMEN.
O 2 It
[io8]
It Is thought not iinfeafonable upon thisOcca-
lion to revive the following Advice, taken
from William Edmund son's Works.
Concernuig Offerings, that are offer d to God
in Prayer and Supplication.
THE Offerings, that are acceptable to
God muft be offered in Righteoufnefs,
and with clean Hearts and Lips : For the
Lord is Pure and Holy, and will be fand:i-
fied of ail that ccmcs near him, and his
Worflnp is in Spirit and in Truth ; where-
fore Prayer, Supplication and Addreffes to
God, being a fpecial Part of his Worship,
niufl: be performed in Spirit and Truth, with
a light Underftanding, feafoned with Grace,
pnd with the Word of God, even as the
Sacrifices under the Old Covenant were to
be brought and ofjir'd in clean Veffels, fea-
fon'd with Salt and with Fire : So all now
under the New Covenant, who approach fo
nigh to God^ as to offer an Offering in
Prayer, muft have their Hearts fprinkled
from an evil Confcience, and their Bodies
waflied in clean Water, and fandifiv.d with
the Word of God, and their Senfts feafon'd
with his Grace and Spirit in divine Under-
flanding, and muft offer that which is
found and pertinent, which the Spirit makes
Jinown to be needful, whofe Intcrceffion is
acceptable^
[ I09]
acceptable, as a fweet fmelling Sacrifice in
the Noftrils of God, and a Savour of Life
unto Life, and of Death unto Death, tho' in
Sighs, Groans, or few Words, being found,
pithy, and fervent : For the Lord knows the
Mind of the Spirit, that makes Incerceffion
to him, who hears and gracioufly anfwers.
And now all are to be careful, both what
and how they offer to God, who will be
fandified of all that come near him, and is
a confuming Fire, who confumed Nadab and
Abihu that offered ftrange Fire, though they
were of the High Priefl's Line. And there
may be now Offerings in Prayer and Suppli-
cation, in long Repetitions of many Words,
in the Openings of fome Divine Illumina-
tions, with a mixture of Heat and Faffion of
the Mind, and Zeal beyond Knowledge, *
and in this Heat, Paffion and forward Zeal,
run on into many needlefs Words and long
Repetitions, and fometimes out of Supplica-^
tion into Declaration, as though the Lord
wanted Information ; iuch want the Divine
Underftanding, and go from the Bounds
and Limits of the Spirit and Will of God,
like that forc'd Offering of King Saul^
which Samuel called foolifh, and the ftrange
Fire and forc'd Offering, offer what comes
to hand, and lavifli all out, as if there were
no Treafury to hold the Lord's Treafures,
that may open and prelent to View at Times,
for their own Benefit ; fo fuch in the End
coming to Poverty and Want, fit down ia
the
[no]
the dry and barren Ground : Wherefore all
are to know their Trealury, and treaiure up
the Lord's Openings, and try the Spirit by
which ihey offer, that they may know the
Lord's try'd Gold, and not mix it with
Drofs or Tin, and know his Stamp, Hea-
venly Image, and Superfcrjption ; and not
counterfeit, wafte or lavifb it out, but mJnd
the Lord's DiredVions, who v/ill call all to
an Account, and give to every one according
to their Deeds, and all the Churches fliall
know, 'that he fearches the Heart and tries
the Reins.
As under the Old Covenant, there was
the Lord's Fire, that was to burn continu-
ally on the Altar, and received the acceptable
Offerings : So there was ftrange Fire, which
was rejeded, and the Offering that was
offered therein. And now in the Nev7
Covenant there is a true Fervency, Heat and
Zeal, according to the true Knowledge of
God in the Spirit and Word of Life, that
dies not out, in which God receives the ac-
ceptable Offerings : So there is alfo a wrong
Heat of Spirit, and Zeal without true Know-
ledge, that with Violence through the Paf-
fion of the Mind, and Forwardnefs of
Defire, runs into a multitude of needlefs
Words, and long Repetitions, thinking to
be heard for much Speaking, but it is rejed-
ed, and is a Grief, Burthen and Trouble to
fenfible weighty Friends, who fit in a divine
Senfe of the Teachings and Movings of the
Lord's
[Ill]
Lord's good Spirit, in which they have Salt
to favour withal -, though the affedionate
Part in fome, who are not (o fettled in that
Divine Senfe, as to diflinguirti between Spirit
and Spirit, is railed with the Flaflies of this
wrong Heat, and long Repetitions, which
augments the Trouble of the Faithful and
Senfiblc, who aic concerned for the Good
and Prefervation of all.
We read that the Priefts of Baal, in their
Offerings, were earneft, hot and fierce, and
cut thenifelves, making long Repetitions
from Morning until Evening, fo kept the
People in Expedation to Imall Purpofe ;
but Elijah^ having repaired the Lord*s Altar,
and prepared his Offering, in a few fenfible
Words (pertinent to the Matter and Service
of the Day and Time) prayed thus in the
Spirit and Power of God :
Lord God e>/^ Abraham, Ifaac, and of Ifrael,
let it be known this Day, that thou art God
in Ifratfl, a?id that I am thy Serva?2t, and
that I have done all thefe Things at thy Word,
Hear me^ O Lord ! hear me^ that this People
may know that thou art the Lord God, a?id
that thou haft turiid their Hearts back again :
which the Lord heard and anfwered. So
here a few fenfible Words, with a good
Underflanding (without needlefs Repetitions)
were prevalent with God.
And
[112]
And our Saviour Chrifl Jefus, when he taught
his Difciples to Pray, bade them not be like the
Hypocrites^ or Heathen^ who ufed many Repetitions^
and thought to he heard for their much Speaking :
Therefore^ faith he, be not ye like unto them^ for
your Father knoweth what things you have need of
before you afk him. And the Prayer which he
taught is full of Matter to the Purpofe, though
comprehended in few WorHa , and all hisDifciples
and Apoflles are to Jearn of him, and obferve his
Diredionsi, and not the Manner or Cuftoms of
the Heathen and Hypocrites, in this weighty
Matter of Approaching nigh unto God with
Offerings in Prayer and Supplication,
Our Saviour alfo left us a good Example, writ-
ten for our Learning, when he was under the Senfe
of drinking that Cup of Sufferings for the Sins of
all Mankind, and to offer to God that great
Offering for their Ranfom, he prayed in thefe
Words : O my Father ! if thou be willing^ remove
this Cup from me ; neverthelefs not my f^ill^ but
thine be done. And in giving Thanks, in thefe
Words : I thank thee^ O Father ! Lord of Heaven
and Earthy becaufe thou hafl hid thefe things from
the Wije and Prudent y and hafl revealed them unto
Babes J even fo Father^ for fo it feemed good in thy
Sight, And how many more fuch like Examples
are there in the Scriptures, comprehended in few
Words ? Therefore all who approach unto God
with their Offerings, are to be watchful and
careful, both what and how they offer under this
Adminiflration of the Spirit, and Difpenfation
of the New Covenant.
I have travelled under a deep Senfe and Concern
in this Matter for fome Time.
The Twelfth of the WiLLlAM EdMUNDSON.
Firft Month 1695.
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